Lisa Murkowski: “Considered collectively, which I know the Chinese Government is doing, this could appear to be a major concession by the…”

“Considered collectively, which I know the Chinese Government is doing, this could appear to be a major concession by the United States on the issue of Taiwan. My guess is that the Chinese now believe that if the Taiwanese people declare independence, the United States will not support them. What does that say for democracy and the ideals that we have sworn to uphold and support? In 1996, when the Chinese military conducted military exercises off the coast of Taiwan in order to influence Taiwan's national Presidential elections, President Clinton rightly responded; swiftly and with resolve. He showed that the United States will not tolerate the threat of the use of force against Taiwan, just as we will not tolerate the use of force against Taiwan. Mr. President, I am concerned that the President's statements made in China have now sent the wrong message, and one that could be destabilizing both to Taiwan and to the entire Asian theater. I think the United States should pursue our own 'three-no's' policy on the question of Taiwan, and they are: We will not accept any nonpeaceful resolution of the Taiwan question; we will not force Taiwan to the table with China, nor will we be an intermediary in resolving this dispute; and we will not turn our backs on democracy and the right of the Taiwanese people, or any people, to live according to free democratic principles.”