Chris Van Hollen

We think it is in our national interest to clarify that for friends around the world.

Senator Romney and I have introduced legislation. It is the bill S. 2995 entitled the Taiwan International Solidarity Act.

I am completely confident that China knows the depth of our concern and our fundamental national interests at stake in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

If there were an all out military action, I agree with Senator Romney, the economic consequences would be terrible for all.

We would strongly oppose any direct military support, and we have indicated that that would draw a response, including economic sanctions.

The United States would view any attempt to change the status quo by other than peaceful means as something that is of grave concern to the United States.

We have expressed concerns about China supporting Vladimir Putin and Russia in their war against Ukraine.

I think it is vitally important that the United States continue to be the party working toward the status quo, maintaining the status quo, not being the party that is somehow changing our approach or our framework or our actions.

We recently had the Japanese Prime Minister Kishida here in the United States for a state visit--addressed a joint session of Congress.

Part of China's stated strategy is to, as they describe it, reunify with Taiwan including by force, not--certainly not ruling out force.

I appreciate that. You in your opening statement mentioned it, both Senator Romney and I mentioned it, but that fundamental architecture from 45 years ago, the Taiwan Relations Act.

I think it is good news that we find that this year the U.S. will surpass China as Taiwan's top export market.

I hope that the people of Taiwan recognize that we are their friends, that we are anxious for them to be able to determine their own course.

It is our hope that Taiwan can be an aggressive competitor with China and with other nations, even with us, but not to be conquered by China.

We are not the party that is seeking to change the status quo in the region.

Those who polluted the most should pay the most for cleaning up the damage and harm they've done

So, look, there are some who argue that the house is on fire, but we shouldn't do anything about it because it's going to keep burning and just eventually burn to the ground.

I put forward a proposal it's right now a white paper called the Polluters Pay Climate Fund legislation.

Senator Romney and I have introduced legislation. It is the bill S. 2995 entitled the Taiwan International Solidarity Act, which would essentially make clear the U.S. position on this.

We would strongly oppose any direct military support, and we have indicated that that would draw a response, including economic sanctions.

I think it is vitally important that the United States continue to be the party working toward the status quo.

The United States would view any attempt to change the status quo by other than peaceful means as something that is of grave concern to the United States.

It is our hope that Taiwan can be an aggressive competitor with China and with other nations, even with us, but not to be conquered by China.

If there were an all out military action, I agree with Senator Romney, the economic consequences would be terrible for all.

We recently had the Japanese Prime Minister Kishida here in the United States for a state visit.