FAPA strongly condemns the “Anti-Secession Law” vowing to seek Congressional Support to counter the Chinese Anti-Secession Law

FAPA today strongly condemns the passage of the Anti-Secession Law by China’s National People’s Congress. The law unnecessarily heightens the cross-strait tension, provokes U.S. interests in the region, and erroneously defines Taiwan as part of China. This law has created a legal framework, paving the way for ultimately a Chinese military attack against Taiwan. FAPA urges the U.S. Congress, the Administration and the international community to strongly condemn the “Anti-Secession Law” and demand that China publicly renounces the use of force against Taiwan.

It is seen as a wrong move by FAPA that the Chinese government uses the word “secession”, allegedly an inspiration stemming from the U.S. civil war in the 1860s. By evoking the history of the civil war, China attempts to attract support from the U.S. Judging from the reactions from U.S. scholars, Members of Congress and government officials, the Chinese government obviously misreads the public mood. For anyone who has a basic knowledge of the U.S.-Taiwan-China relationship would easily agree that there is no parallel between the U.S. civil war and the current situation in the Taiwan Strait. Moreover, the loss of lives and the damage the Civil War caused to the U.S. economy during the civil war left a permanent scar on generations of Americans. This move by the Chinese only alienates the Americans further.

The claim of the “Anti-Secession Law” that Taiwan is part of China ignores the current reality in the Taiwan Strait. It contradicts the status quo and negates the fact that Taiwan is a de facto independent country. It is also a direct violation of U.S. policy that simply acknowledges the Chinese position on Taiwan but does not take position on Taiwan’s sovereignty as reconfirmed in President Reagan’s “Six Assurances.” The “Anti-Secession Law” that characterizes China’s ownership of Taiwan’s sovereignty contradicts U.S. policy.

FAPA believes that the Anti-Secession Law also seriously threatens the national interests of the U.S. in the region. Section 8 in the “Anti-Secession Law” irrevocably gives China the right to unilaterally change the status quo. It also reaffirms Chinese determination to use force against Taiwan and creates a legal framework for Chinese unification through force. Section 8 which lists three conditions for China to launch non-peaceful methods against Taiwan clearly indicates that it is up to Chinese interpretation to determine what actions that Taiwan will undertake will constitute a reason to attack Taiwan. It gives China the right to unilaterally define and change the status quo. It also contradicts U.S. long-term policy and seriously threatens the U.S. regional security interests.

As Robert Kagan from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace pointed out in his recent op-ed in the Washington Post, the three conditions listed in Section 8 in the Chinese “Anti-Secession Law” means all of the above – whether Taiwan declares independence or not, as long as Taiwan refuses to submit to the communist rule, China will have the right to attack Taiwan. When the U.S. is obliged to help Taiwan sustain its self-defensive capability, based on the Taiwan Relations Act, FAPA worries that the “Anti-Secession Law” which allows China to unilaterally define the conditions for a war in the Taiwan Strait, raises the chances of U.S. involvement in such a war.

FAPA President Ming-chi Wu said, “FAPA has been making the rounds on Capitol Hill. We have suggested to several Members of Congress to hold a press conference, publicly and together condemning this provocative action by the Chinese. We will also suggest to Members of Congress that they take concrete actions, such as passing legislation to support Taiwan’s democracy, reaffirm U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s security and emphasize a peaceful resolution for the future of Taiwan that has the express consent of the 23 million of people of Taiwan.”

Wu concludes, “The mere existence of Taiwan’s democracy is a thorn in the China’s thigh and a roadblock on China’s reunification agenda.  Only by standing with Taiwan and demanding that China publicly renounces the use of force against Taiwan will the international society see an eventual peace in the Taiwan Strait.”

反分裂國家法為武力犯台舖路，FAPA將建議美國國會，採取相關因應措施

FAPA今天強烈讉責中國人大會通過「反分裂國家法」，因為此法不僅昇高台海緊張情勢，嚴重挑釁美國在東亞的國家安全利益，更蓄意將台灣劃為中國的一部份，為日後武力犯台合法化與合理化。FAPA在此呼籲美國朝野各界以及國際社會一同讉責中國的「反分裂國家法」，並施壓中國，要求中國公開宣佈放棄武力犯台。

中國使用secession一字來描述「反分裂國家法」，其靈感來自美國南北戰爭；FAPA認為中國這個想法，其實是誤判形勢，誤認為以這個美國人人皆知的歷史為基礎，便較容易得到美國的支持。殊不知，這樣的比喻反而引起美國朝野各界的反感，因為任何對台海問題稍有瞭解的人士，都知道台海今天的情勢與十九世紀的南北戰爭可以說是南轅北轍，背景完全不同，而且南北戰爭帶來的生命、財產的損失，無法估計，難怪至今無法得到美國的認同。

FAPA表示，「反分裂國家法」擅自將台灣的主權定位於隸屬於中國之下，不僅荒謬，有違台海現狀，且完全否定台灣為一獨立於中國之外主權國家的事實，更有違美國政策。美國對台灣主權的政策，一直是僅僅停留在「認知」中國立場的階段；雷根總統的「六項保證」中也再度重申美國並沒有正式承認中國對台灣擁有主權。中國的「反分裂國家法」擅自將台灣主權劃為中國之下，明顯地與美國政策相衝突。

FAPA認為，「反分裂國家法」裡的第八點明顯地給予中國有權片面改變台海現狀、證明中國以武力解決台灣前途的意圖、並使中國「以武逼統」的口號與手段合法化。尤其第八點裡所列舉的三個條件，擺明了北京當局將有權決定台灣那些舉動符合中國對台灣出兵的條件，等同於中國擁有片面改變台海現狀的權利，這與美國長期的政策相互衝突，更嚴重威脅到美國在東亞的區域安全利益。誠如卡內基國際和平智庫學者Robert Kagan日前於華郵著文表示，第八點裡的三個條件根本就是「以上皆是」，不管台灣有沒有宣佈獨立，只要台灣拒絕屈服於中國共產統治之下，中國就有權利攻打台灣。當美國因台灣關係法有協助台灣自我防衛的義務時，中國藉由「反分裂國家法」擅自訂定發動台海戰事的條件，將大幅提高美國捲入台海戰爭的可能性，這也是為什麼美國各界會有如此強烈反應的主因。

FAPA認為，當前台海兩岸需要的是積極、平等、友善的對話，而不是一個意圖以武力併呑台灣的法律。身為台美人，FAPA強烈讉責中國的反分裂國家法，因為它不僅威脅台海現狀，更與美國政策以及國家利益背道而馳。

FAPA會長吳明基表示：「近日來，美國國會不分黨派均一致地強烈抨擊中國通過『反分裂國家法』的舉動。如今中國人大會無異議通過這個法律，我們預計美國國會將有更高分貝的抗議行動。」吳明基接著表示：「FAPA已經在近日內積極接觸多位議員辦公室，建議國會議員們召開記者會，公開聯合讉責中國這個挑釁的舉動；此外，我們也將建議美國國會以通過決議案的具體方式，肯定台灣蓬勃發展的民主制度，重申美國對台灣安全的承諾，以及強調美國政策為台灣前途終須和平解決，並獲得台灣二千三百萬人的同意。」吳明基最後表示：「台灣的民主是阻撓中國完成統一大業的眼中釘；只有美國朝野各界與國際社會堅定支持台灣，並施壓中國，要求中國公開宣佈放棄武力犯台，才是杜絕中國以武力片面解決台灣前途的有效之道。」

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Taiwan Caucus Co-Chairs Express “Deep Concern” About Chinese Anti-Secession Law

In a letter to the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China dated February 17, the four co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives express their “deep concern” about the PRC’s Anti-Secession Law plans. Co-chairs Robert Wexler, Steve Chabot, Sherrod Brown and Dana Rohrabacher write: “[…] we are deeply concerned that your government is planning to enact an “Anti-secession law” at the third session of the 10th National People’s Congress, slated for March 5.”

The letter continues: “We urge you to carefully consider the potential negative effects of the pending anti-secession law. We are also concerned that if the law is a direct threat to the security of Taiwan that a series of escalating countermeasures across the straits will ensue.”

In a related development, Rep. Jeff Miller (D-FL) introduced H. Con. Res. 76 on February 17, shortly after Rep. Chabot introduced H. Con. Res 70, concluding that it is the sense of Congress that “the government of the United States should urge the Government of the People’s Republic of China in the strongest possible terms not to enact into law the so-called “Anti-secession” legislation or any other legislation that threatens Taiwan or in any other way jeopardizes peace between China and Taiwan.”

FAPA President Ming-chi Wu, Ph,.D. states: “This latest series of actions by the U.S. Congress reaffirms that the Chinese Anti-Secession Law has obviously unnerved Members of Congress who see enactment of this law as a threat to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, to the stability in the region and to Taiwan’s security. Its enactment would irreversibly compromise U.S. national interests in the Taiwan Strait.”

Wu continues: “The Law contradicts everything the U.S. stands for. That is why Members of Congress have issued numerous statements, introduced several pieces of legislation and written several letters from the highest level in Congress to the National People’s Congress. And all this within the time span of one week. China should be able to take the hint by now.”

眾議院台灣連線共同主席聯署致函中國人大常委會委員長吳邦國，表達對於中國反分裂國家法的高度關切

四位台灣連線的共同主席(Robert Wexler, Steve Chabot, Sherrod Brown and Dana Rohrabacher)在信中表示：「我們對於貴政府目前預計在三月五日，第十屆人大委員會上執行反分裂國家法一事，深表關切。」接著，四位主席表示：「我們籲請您慎重考慮這個反分裂國家法可能帶來的負面影響。我們也非常關心這個法律是否會對台灣安全直接造成威脅，那樣的話，一系列升高兩岸情勢的措施將因而產生。」

繼昨日夏波(Steve Chabot, R-OH)眾議員引進第70號決議案，四位台灣連線主席致吳邦國聯署信函外，眾議員米勒(Jeff Miller, R-FL) 也在昨日引進第76號決議案，強烈要求中國不要執行反分裂國家法。米勒議員在這個措詞強烈的決議案裡表示，中國的反分裂國家法企圖將中國宣稱擁有對民主的台灣的主權合法化，此法也將摧毀台灣與中國展開和平談判的希望。決議案最後表示「美國政府應該強烈呼籲中國政府不要執行這個所謂的反分裂國家法，或是其他任何威脅台灣、有損兩岸和平的法律。」

FAPA會長吳明基表示：「美國國會最近一連串的舉動，再次證明了美國國會議員們非常地擔憂中國的反分裂國家法，因為他們認為這個法律對台海現狀、區域穩定以及台灣安全構成威脅。這個法律一旦實行，將對美國在台灣海峽的國家利益造成無可挽回的偒害。」

吳明基繼續表示：「反分裂國家法與美國所代表的一切是相衝突的。這也是為什麼美國國會議員們紛紛發表聲明、引進數項決議案與致數封信函給中國人大會的領袖們，昨日台灣連線共同主席的信函為最新的例證。這些一連串的舉動都是在短短一個星期之內發生。」

吳明基最後表示：「中國這個頑石應該要懂得點頭了吧。」

Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore (Flickr)

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U.S. Representative Introduces Legislation Strongly Opposing China’s Anti-Secession Law

An hour day before Congress adjourned for a weeklong recess, co-chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) introduced H.Con.Res.70 concluding that “the United States should strongly oppose the Anti-Secession Legislation of the People’s Republic of China, as it will alter the status quo in the region and thus is of grave concern to the United States.”

Furthermore, the resolution concludes that “the President of the United States should direct all appropriate United States Government officials to reflect the grave concern with which the United States views the enactment of the Anti-Secession Legislation to their counterpart officials in the Government of the People’s Republic of China.”

Finally, the resolution concludes that “the Government of the United States should reaffirm that the future of Taiwan should be resolved by peaceful means and with the consent of the people of Taiwan.”

Several Members of Congress have expressed their intent to immediately co-sponsor the resolution.

FAPA President Ming-chi Wu, Ph.D. says: “The danger the ASL will bring to the status quo and stability in the Taiwan Strait is explicitly spelled out in this resolution. The introduction of the resolution today affirms that Members of Congress are very concerned about the threat the ASL poses just like many pundits in this town and the Taiwanese government are.”

Wu continues, “The ASL will give the Beijing government a free pass to wildly interpret this law once it is passed by the National People’s Congress in March.

Wu concludes, “It is no coincidence that when the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress passed the proposed Anti-Secession law, Beijing at the same time released its 2004 Defense White Paper vowing to “crush Taiwan” if necessary. It has long been United States policy to support a peaceful resolution of the cross-strait stalemate with the express consent of the people of Taiwan. The ASL does exactly the opposite.”

美眾議院引進決議案，強烈反對中國反分裂國家法

在眾議院即將進入休會階段的前夕，眾議院台灣連線共同主席之一夏波(Steve Chabot, R-OH)於今日提出第70號決議案，強烈反對中國這個「改變台海現狀，因而為美國所嚴重關切」的反分裂國家法。

夏波議員在這個決議案裡表示，中國將藉由此法片面改變台現狀，而美國政策則是反對台海任何一方片面改變台現狀。此決議案並引用台灣關係法來強調美國對台灣的安全承諾；此外，決議案裡表示，任何以非和平方式，並未獲得台灣人民同意來解決台灣前途的意圖都將為美國所嚴重關切。

決議案最後則表示美國政府應該強烈反對中國的反分裂國家法，因為它將改變台海現狀，為美國所嚴重關切；而且美國總統應指示美國政府相關人員向中國政府官員表達美國的嚴重關切；美國政府並應重申台灣前途終須和平解決，並獲得台灣人民的同意；最後，美國政府應該繼續鼓勵台灣與中國的對話。

由於許多眾議員已經公開表示嚴重關切中國的反分裂國家法，第70號決議案可望快速獲得議員們的支持聯署。

FAPA會長吳明基表示：「反分裂國家法對於區域現狀以及穩定帶來危險，這個決議案表達地一清二楚。決議案的引進，證明了美國國會議員與華府許多專家和台灣政府一樣，都預見了反分裂國家法將帶來的威脅。」

吳明基繼續表示：「反分裂國家法可以說是給北京政府一個自由通行證，讓他們可以漫天詮釋這個即將在三月份中國人民大會上通過的法律，使中國武力犯台『合法化』。」

吳明基表示：「中國人大常委會在去年通過反分裂國家法時，北京在同一時間也公佈了2004年的國防白皮書，白皮書裡提及將在必要時刻『粉碎』台灣，這個時間點上絕對不會是巧合。美國長期以來的政策就是台海問題和平解決，並須得到台灣人民的同意。中國的反分裂國家法只是背道而馳罷了。」

Photo Credit: April Brady/Project on Middle East Democracy (Flickr)

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