[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 103 (Thursday, June 22, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S8849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  THE RECALL OF THE CHINESE AMBASSADOR

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, I learned with regret last week that the 
People's Republic of China has recalled its ambassador to the United 
States, Li Daoyu, because of the visit of Taiwan President Lee Teng-
hui. I am disappointed that the Chinese government has chosen this step 
as a form of protest over Lee's visit.
  President Lee came to the United States on a private visit after he 
was invited to speak at his alma mater. He was granted a visa as a 
simple act of courtesy and his trip does not represent a change in our 
government's one-China policy. The United States believes strongly that 
notable speakers from around the world should be free to travel here to 
speak their views. I feel that Beijing's reaction to Lee's visit is 
both excessive and unproductive. Lee's visit was a small matter and 
should be seen as insignificant for overall Sino-United States 
relations.
  There is a great reservoir of friendship between the peoples of China 
and the United States. I think of that friendship as an iceberg. Right 
now we may see problems at the tip, but underneath is a large, enduring 
solidness. I feel certain that sturdy base will help us outlast minor 
irritants to the relationship, such as this one. It is my deep wish 
that Beijing would simply agree to disagree with Washington on this 
matter, return Ambassador Li to his post quickly, and move on to the 
truly important matters we have between the two countries.

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