Political Quotes

“today the House will take up later on House Concurrent Resolution 148, a concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the United States is committed to the military stability of the Taiwan Straits and to the defense of Taiwan against invasion, missile attacks, or blockade by the People's Republic of China. The House's consideration of this resolution is timely. It coincides with meetings today between United States and Taiwanese officials to discuss Taiwan's defense needs and possible United States weapons sales in a regularly scheduled annual consultation. Consideration of this resolution also comes at a time of increased military maneuvers by the People's Republic. Over the past few months, China has conducted missile tests off the coast of Taiwan, including missile firings which have landed adjacent to Taiwanese major ports and live ammunition fire operations in the Straits. Yesterday China upped the ante by declaring that they will go forward with planned war games around islands it controls and ordered residents to evacuate. The PRC also announced a new series of exercises in a large part of the Taiwan Straits and has warned international shipping and aviation to stay away from the region. The reason for the PRC's escalation is clear: It is an orchestrated campaign to intimidate Taiwanese voters and to influence the outcome of Taiwan's first direct Presidential elections this coming Saturday.”