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Ask Rep. Tiffany: why map out aggression on China? |
Dear friends,
While Congress was focused on providing funds to federal agencies, as well as military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Rep. Tom Tiffany was focused on mapping out aggression on China. Introducing an amendment to the Consolidated Appropriations Act that prohibits any funds to create, procure or display any map that depicts Taiwan as part of China, Tiffany has violated the decades-long U.S. foreign policy of strategic ambiguity and unofficial relations with Taiwan. This policy, called the One China policy, helped establish Sino-American relations. This amendment was sneaky because it would be unwise to vote against such an enormous spending bill due to one amendment.
Rep. Tiffany called it a recognition of “Beijing’s bogus argument that Taiwan is part of Communist China,” saying America should abandon this policy, using this amendment to “stop perpetuating the One China lie.” Rep. Tiffany has made it clear that he wants to undo the agreement by deciding the sovereignty of Taiwan by himself without the input of the Chinese and Taiwanese people themselves. While the Appropriations Act bill has passed into law, we cannot let future bills sneak in provisions that undermine international agreements, especially by a nation set on a ‘rules based order’. We still must challenge Tiffany’s unilateral decision-making which undermines Sino-Chinese relations and other countries’ confidence in bilateral and diplomatic agreements with the U.S.
The One China policy resulted from the Shanghai Communique signed in 1972, the first of the Three Communiques that were foundational to modern Sino-American relations. In the Shanghai Communique, the U.S. acknowledges “there is but one China and that Taiwan is part of China”, and the two countries affirmed that they would “…conduct their relations on the principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, non-aggression against other states, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.” These agreements have strengthened bilateral ties, normalized diplomatic relations, and opened trade and communication. Rep. Tiffany’s amendment serves to inflame tensions across the Taiwan Strait by undermining this principle of U.S.-China relations, poking the proverbial bear.
Whether or not Taiwan is a sovereign nation should not be decided upon by U.S. politicians - that is up to the Chinese and Taiwanese parties. Rather than inflaming military aggression, such as provisions in the Innovation Act sitting in Congress that declare Taiwan a national priority and propose to train and arm Taiwanese military troops, the U.S. should be encouraging peaceful and diplomatic solutions.
Ask Rep. Tiffany: why are you inflaming tensions across the Taiwan Straight and undermining a bilateral, diplomatic agreement? And comment on our petition which international agreement you would like to re-write!
The Innovation Act, waiting to be reconciled and passed in Congress, contains militaristic provisions that similarly inflame tensions across the Taiwan Strait and deter peaceful, conciliatory and diplomatic solutions and relations, including the U.S. supporting Taiwan's implementation of its asymmetric defense strategy and conducting regular transfers of defense articles to Taiwan. If you would like to oppose the militaristic provisions in the Innovation Act, and promote more cooperative U.S.-China relations, contact your member of Congress here.
Onward toward peace
Alli, Jodie, the CODEPINK China Is Not Our Enemy campaign, and CODEPINK
P.S.
P.S.: While mainstream U.S. media is providing only a narrow narrative on the war in Ukraine, social media platforms are increasing their censorship. Join us Monday, March 21st at 5pm PT/8 pm ET for a discussion between Abby Martin, Lee Camp, Chris Hedges, and Jodie Evans on the impacts and implications of this censorship. RSVP here.
P.S.S.: We are bringing the anti-war movement to DC to support the Poor People's Campaign on June 18th. You can send a young peace activist to DC by donating whatever you can to our fundraiser!
