[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______


                        HON. MATTHEW G. MARTINEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 1995

  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join the Taiwanese people 
in celebrating the 84th anniversary of National Day which commemorates 
the revolution and overthrow of the Ching Dynasty.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan has a dynamic economy that is the envy of the 
world. Taiwan has the 19th largest economy in the world and it holds 
nearly $100 billion in foreign exchange reserves. The United States, 
moreover, is Taiwan's main foreign investor and trading partner.
  By any measurable standard, Taiwan is an economic powerhouse that has 
earned its rightful place in the world community. Taiwan has 
unequivocally demonstrated that it cannot be relegated to the ash heap 
of history.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan can no longer be treated as a pariah, as a second 
class citizen within the international community of states. The 
Taiwanese people, through their sweat and toil, have built a great 
democratic nation that shines like a beacon of hope throughout Asia. 
Taiwan is a thriving and bustling democracy of 21 million people who 
demand their rightful place on the world stage.
  Recent developments such as Beijing's guided missile test off the 
coast of northern Taiwan represents nothing more than a crude attempt 
at intimidating the Taiwanese people. Such efforts will not succeed in 
cowing the indomitable spirit of democratic reform in Taiwan.
  It is time for the United States to take the lead in actively 
supporting Taiwan's full participation in and representation on major 
international organizations like the United Nations, the General 
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the International Monetary Fund, and 
the World Bank. A political and economic force as important as Taiwan 
deserves no less. Taiwan's participation in these international regimes 
would in no way diminish, prejudice or challenge mainland China's 
current international status.
  Moreover, private visits by Taiwanese officials to America, such as 
President Lee Teng-Hui's historic visit this past June, should be 
welcomed by the United States Government. This does not mean we should 
disregard the legitimate concerns of the People's Republic of China. 
Nor does it mean the United States should kowtow to Beijing's 
unwarranted threats.
  The ultimate fate of Taiwan must be the product of peaceful 
negotiations between Beijing and Taipei, between the Chinese and 
Taiwanese people. Military force is not and can never be a viable 
option to resolve the Taiwan-Straits question. There is simply too much 
as stake for both Taiwan and China, and for the geopolitical stability 
of the Pacific-rim.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to salute the people of Taiwan for 
their tremendous democratic and economic accomplishments. Taiwan 
deserves and has earned our respect, admiration, and steadfast support.

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