[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 16 (Thursday, January 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E181-E182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           PREMIER LIEN CHAN

                                 ______


                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 25, 1995
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, the attached paper entitled 
``Premier Lien Chan: His Views and Ideals'' was sent to me by Winston 
L. Yang of Seton Hall University, my alma mater.
  I feel it is a most impressive paper and would like to share it with 
my colleagues.
                Premier Lien Chan: His Views and Ideals

                          (By Winston L. Yang)

       Lien Chan has served as Premier of the Republic of China 
     (ROC) for almost two years. During the past two years he has 
     made significant contributions to Taiwan's modernization, 
     democratization, and reform.
       As a determined, formidable leader, Lien Chan meets 
     challenges well. Noteworthy academic accomplishments, broad 
     administrative experience and a pragmatic approach to 
     governance are the foundation of his open-mindedness and 
     tolerance, which are so sorely needed in a democratic and 
     pluralistic society. These traits are vital to the 
     fulfillment of constitutional democracy in the Republic of 
     China. Lien defines his Cabinet as a ``multifaceted 
     government,'' and holds the view that all administrative 
     organs must maintain political neutrality and act in 
     accordance with the law, so that a fair environment for 
     competition among political parties can be ensured and a 
     model of political pluralism upheld within a constitutional 
     framework.
       As a champion of free-market economics, Lien believes that 
     the market should be the primary force in determining the 
     direction of economic growth. But he also believes the 
     [[Page E182]] government is duty-bound to assist and 
     encourage Taiwan's businesses. Government support, he argues, 
     helps entrepreneurs to create wealth and earn profits that 
     can be shared with society.
       The Premier is committed to improving the welfare of the 
     island's disadvantaged groups, including persons of low-
     income, the disabled, laborers and farmers, aborigines, and 
     retired servicemen. He has established programs to solve the 
     social problems arising from the widening gap between 
     Taiwan's rich and poor.
       As a statesman, the scholarly Premier represents the 
     progressive, moderate, reform-minded native forces and 
     exhibits a sense of pragmatism and flexibility so necessary 
     to prudent governance. Idealistic, visionary, and broad-
     minded, he nevertheless detests empty talk and demands 
     concrete actions and realistic programs. Lien is personally 
     involved in policy-making and major decision-making, but he 
     promotes the democratization of authority. He continues to 
     delegate more powers and responsibilities to his ministers 
     that previous premiers. Inefficiency, factionalism, 
     corruption, selfishness, rejection of criticisms, and 
     bureaucratic snobbery are the very problems he intends to 
     reduce. Rejecting the Government's internal division and 
     confrontation, the democratic-minded Lien stresses the need 
     for coordination, cooperation, and consensus (the three C's). 
     With a strong sense of responsibility, he scorns personal 
     dictatorship in the post of premier, and advocates 
     coordinated team work. As a scholarly statesman, he expects 
     thorough investigations and research to be the foundation of 
     decisions. Fearless of obstacles, setbacks, and difficulties, 
     Lien accepts challenges and rejects a defeatist attitude. His 
     primary concern is the prosperous future of the ROC. Idealist 
     yet pragmatic, flexible yet firm on principles, he is 
     strongly attached to the soil of Taiwan. But though 
     profoundly rooted in Taiwan and committed to the 
     ``Taiwanization'' of the island, he is nevertheless deeply 
     concerned with the future of China and the ultimate 
     reunification of Taiwan and the mainland. His forthright 
     leadership style does not hinder his consideration or 
     acceptance of different views and ideas that will enhance the 
     lives of the Taiwan people.
       A champion of reform, democratization, Taiwanization, and 
     native rule, Lien Chan represents a new generation of 
     moderate, dedicated, pragmatic, well-educated, highly-
     experienced, and internationally-minded native leaders in the 
     dawn of a new era. He is the very kind of leader who will be 
     able to lead Taiwan through its very difficult transition to 
     a highly developed, thoroughly modernized, and fully 
     democratized society--indeed, this is Lien's historic task 
     and chosen mission.
     

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