TAIWAN'S UPCOMING REFERENDUM -- HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY (Extensions of Remarks - February 25, 2004)

HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

OF NEW YORK

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2004

• Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, the referendum offered by Taiwan's President, the Honorable Chen Shui-bian, for the March 20, 2004 election ballot will not alter the status quo of cross-strait relations.

• This referendum does not seek a declaration of independence. Rather, it is intended to express the Taiwanese people's immediate and legitimate concerns regarding the peace and security of the region. Taiwan is a thriving democracy that promotes freedom and the rule of law. The upcoming referendum will allow its people to freely express their views, which is a fundamental human right guaranteed by international law.