Russ Feingold: “Over recent months, aggressive rhetoric has escalated across the Taiwan Strait. In response to Taiwanese President Chen…”

“Over recent months, aggressive rhetoric has escalated across the Taiwan Strait. In response to Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's pledge to hold a nationwide referendum "to demand that the Taiwan Strait issue be resolved through peaceful means," Chinese officials have threatened the use of force. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of the People's Republic of China has stated that China will "crush" any attempts by Taiwan to seek independence and that it will "pay any price to safeguard the unity of the motherland." In addition on November 20, 2003, PRC Major General Wang Zaixi was quoted saying that "the use of force may become unavoidable" in dealing with Taiwan. On February 11, 2004, Chinese officials stated the referendum would "provoke confrontation." Threats of violence by the People's Republic of China only undermine efforts to resolve longstanding China-Taiwan tensions. Intimidation and warnings of bloodshed have taken the place of constructive dialogue. I fear that these threats will only intensify as Taiwan's presidential elections on March 20, 2004, draw nearer. In the midst of this bellicose rhetoric, I express my support for the people of Taiwan and to compliment the Taiwanese people and their leadership for the great strides they have made in strengthening their democracy.”