China's Assertiveness on Taiwan Raises Concerns in Washington

Strategic Insights -

Tensions between China and Taiwan are escalating, with Beijing stepping up threats to prevent Taiwan from breaking free from China's control. This development has sparked concerns among lawmakers on Capitol Hill, particularly in the Senate, where obtaining permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China may become more challenging. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and Majority Whip Don Nickles expressed their concerns about China's assertiveness, warning that it could undermine prospects for passing PNTR.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott described China's threats regarding Taiwan as a "great danger" to the prospects of passing PNTR, emphasizing the need for China to demonstrate responsibility and compliance with agreements.
  • Lott also urged all parties to remain calm, specifically noting the importance of maintaining a stable demeanor in the face of escalating tensions.
  • Senate Majority Whip Don Nickles agreed that China's statements "greatly complicate efforts" to win China PNTR approval, questioning China's wisdom in taking a hard line.
  • Nickles criticized the Clinton administration for not showing enough resolve and making excuses for China's actions.
  • Both Lott and Nickles predicted that a vote on PNTR would come this spring or early summer, but declined to comment on whether senators would have the opportunity to amend the PNTR measure.
  • A bipartisan measure was introduced by Senate Finance International Trade Subcommittee ranking member Max Baucus (D-Mont.) to enhance compliance monitoring of Chinese trade terms.
  • The United Auto Workers (UAW) has come out in opposition to a proposal by House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee ranking member Sander Levin (D-Mich.) to establish a special congressional-executive commission to review human rights and labor rights.

Statistics:

  • 50 years: The amount of time since the late 1940s civil war in China that the communist mainland has regarded Taiwan as a "renegade province.
  • 90 legislative days: The amount of time Congress has to vote on whether to continue participating in the World Trade Organization (WTO).
  • 4: The number of previous WTO rulings that Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott cited as "strike four" against the WTO, indicating his lack of enthusiasm for the organization.
  • 1: The number of days remaining before the administration releases a report on U.S. participation in the WTO, which will likely face scrutiny due to recent criticism from some members.

Sources:

  • (CongressDaily), 5 March 2003
  • Administration and congressional sources, cited in (CongressDaily), 5 March 2003.