Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

U.S. URGED TO PRESSURE BEIJING OVER ANTI-SECESSION LAW

ROC Central News Agency

2005-03-17 22:47:45

    Taipei, March 17 (CNA) The government is hopeful that the United States will continue to put pressure upon China over its newly enacted Anti-Secession Law aimed at Taiwan, Executive Yuan Spokesman Cho Jung-tai said Thursday.

    Cho made the remarks after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution to voice its great concern over the passage of the Anti-Secession Law by China's National People's Congress Monday, as it provides the legal basis for the use of non-peaceful means against Taiwan if the nation moves toward formal independence.

    According to Cho, the U.S. House of Representatives stresses in its resolution that the future of Taiwan should be decided by the 23 million people of Taiwan.

    Noting that this is a very important concept, Cho voiced the hope that the U.S. government will continuously express its grave concern over the Anti-Secession Law and press for the Beijing authorities to resolve all disputes triggered by the law.

    As for an upcoming visit to China by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Cho said she is expected to bring the international community's concern over the issue to the Beijing leadership and that the government will keep a close eye on related developments.

    As for the question of whether China will show goodwill toward Taiwan's presence in the international arena following the enactment of the Anti-Secession Law, Cho said that Taiwan will seek to participate in international organization on its own and will never soften its solid stance due to any "insignificant favor" from China.

(By Luis Huang)

ENDITEM/J