Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

09 March 2005

U.S. Expresses Concern on China's Anti-Secession Legislation

Draft law may be counterproductive on Taiwan issue, State Dept. says

Following is the official response to a question on China's proposed anti-secession law taken at the March 8 regular State Department briefing.  The proposed legislation would authorize what is described as "non-peaceful" means to achieve reunification with Taiwan, if deemed necessary. 

An answer to the question was posted later in the day:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
March 8, 2005

Question Taken at March 8, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

China: Anti-Secession Law

Question:  Has Secretary Rice raised the anti-secession law with Chinese officials?

Answer:  The Secretary and other members of the Administration have expressed concern to Chinese officials that the anti-secession law may be counterproductive and is not helpful in the current environment, where there are opportunities for exchanges that could move forward a peaceful resolution of outstanding cross-Strait differences.

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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)