Political Quotes

“in light of the recent trip of U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher to China and the current debate on the renewal of Most Favored Nation [MFN] status of China, I would like to direct your attention to an important issue. It concerns the safety and security of Taiwan. China's former President Yang Shang-kun once announced that if Taiwan declares itself independent, a military solution cannot be precluded. He stated that China has atomic bombs, guided missiles, and many submarines for such a purpose. ``Those who play with fire will be burned to ashes,'' he claimed. Deng Xiao-ping added that if Taiwan will not show any inclination to abide with China's unification policy, military force will be used to achieve unification. Mr. Speaker, Article (b)(6) of Sec. 2 of the Taiwan Relations Act, (1979) states that it is the policy of the United States * * * to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security * * * of the people of Taiwan. Through this act the United States is legally committed to protect Taiwan from outside forces. Now the United States has an opportunity to enforce that commitment. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the debate which is currently going on on Capitol Hill whether to attach first, economic, second, human rights, and third, non-proliferation conditions to the renewal of MFN status for China is extremely important.…”