[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5617-S5619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT LEE TENG-HUI, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA

 Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the 
first popularly elected President of the Republic of China, Lee Teng-
hui. All Americans congratulate the people of Taiwan for voting to 
complete their transition to democracy.
  The election of President Lee on March 23, 1996, was the result of a 
10-year transition which some have called a political miracle in 
twentieth-century Chinese politics, making Taiwan the first Chinese 
democracy.
  President Lee and the people of Taiwan not only deserve 
congratulations for their transition to democracy, they also deserve 
our continued support. As President Lee and the Taiwanese emerge as a 
force for democracy, freedom and stabilization in East Asia, the United 
States should encourage their efforts to be represented and respected 
in international organizations and negotiations as well. The United 
States should also support and encourage constructive dialog and 
relations between Taiwan and Beijing.
  This transition to democracy is especially significant because it 
took place against a background of mounting military intimidation, 
political threats, and diplomatic isolation from mainland China. 
Despite these intimidating threats, the people of Taiwan were not 
deterred from casting their ballots for freedom and liberty.
  On May 20 in Taipei, President Lee delivered his inaugural address to 
the world as well as to the people of the Republic of China. He said:

       My fellow countrymen: The doors have opened to full 
     democracy, with all its vigor in full swing. Today, most 
     deserving of a salute are the people of the Republic of 
     China: A salute to them for being so resolute and decisive 
     when it comes to the future of the country. A salute to them 
     for being so firm and determined when it comes to the defense 
     of the democracy. A salute to them for being so calm and 
     invincible when it comes to facing up to threats.

  I join many in celebrating President Lee's triumph and the will of 
the people of the Republic of China to march boldly down the road of 
democracy for the first time in the history of the Chinese people.
  Mr. President, I ask that the complete text of President Lee's 
inaugural address be printed in the Congressional Record.
  The text follows:

         Full Text of President Lee Teng-Hui's Inaugural Speech

       Your Majesty, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, My 
     Fellow Countrymen, Ladies and Gentlemen:
       Today we are assembled here to jubilantly and solemnly 
     celebrate the inauguration of the President and Vice 
     President before all our compatriots. This gather marks not 
     only the commencement of the ninth-term Presidency and Vice 
     Presidency, but also a fresh beginning for the future of the 
     country and the people.
       Today, the 21.3 million people in this country formally 
     march in the new era of ``popular sovereignty.''
       Today, the Chinese people enter a new frontier full of 
     hope.
       Today, we in Taiwan firmly tell the world, with great pride 
     and self-confidence:
       We now stand on the apex of democratic reform and will 
     remain there resolutely.
       We have proved eloquently that the Chinese are capable of 
     practicing democracy.
       We have effectively expanded the influence of the 
     international democratic camp and made significant 
     contributions to the cause of freedom and democracy.
       Therefore, this gathering of today does not celebrate the 
     victory of any candidate, or any political party for that 
     matter. It honors a triumph of democracy for the 21.3 million 
     people. It salutes the confirmation of freedom and dignity--
     the most fundamental human values--in the Taiwan, Penghu, 
     Kinmen and Matsu area.
       My fellow countrymen: The doors have opened to full 
     democracy, with all its vigor in full swing. Today, most 
     deserving of a salute are the people of the Republic of 
     China:
       A salute to them for being so resolute and decisive when it 
     comes to the future of the country.
       A salute to them for being so firm and determined when it 
     comes to the defense of democracy.
       A salute to them for being so calm and invincible when it 
     comes to facing up to threats.
       From now on, the people as a whole, rather than any 
     individual or any political party, will be invested with the 
     ruling power of the nation. This is free will in full play, 
     the fullest realization of ``popular sovereignty,'' the real 
     compliance with the will of Heaven and response to human 
     wishes.'' the getting rid of the old and ringing in the new. 
     All the glory belongs to the people.
       My fellow countrymen: At this very fresh start of history, 
     we pledge ourselves to launch the new era with a new 
     determination and new deeds. This is our common homeland, and 
     this is the fundamental support we draw upon in our struggle 
     for survival. Fifty years of a common destiny forged in 
     fortune and misfortune have united us all into a closely 
     bound and interdependent community. The first-ever popular 
     presidential election has reconfirmed our collective 
     consciousness that we in Taiwan have to work together as one 
     man.
       How to make this land of ours more beautiful and how to 
     make its inhabitants feel safer and live a happier and more 
     harmonious life is the common responsibility of the 21.3 
     million people!
       ``Whatever the people desire is always in my heart.'' I am 
     fully aware of the needs of the people and I pledge myself to 
     do my best to deserve their trust. But no individual or 
     political party can single-handedly decide a policy of far-
     reaching importance to the country. The government will soon 
     invite opinion leaders and other representatives from various 
     quarters to exchange views on major topics of future national 
     development. The consensus that emerges from such meetings 
     will launch the country into a new era.
       The election is over, but the promises made during the 
     campaign will be kept and fulfilled as soon as possible. 
     Building a modern country entails the services of all 
     available talents. I am convinced that only when upright, 
     insightful, capable and experienced people, regardless of 
     their political affiliation or social group, participate in 
     the leadership of the government will political stability and 
     national growth be ensured.
       The times are changing, so is the social climate. Keeping 
     in the old grooves while refraining from any innovation is 
     doomed to failure. Political maneuvering has no place in 
     political interaction, nor can self-interest have any role in 
     deciding upon a political position. No quarrels can be 
     started under the pretense of representing the will of the 
     voters. A boycott certainly is not the equivalent of checks 
     and balances. The ideal of democracy we are pursuing means 
     not just effective checks and balances; it demands hand-in-
     hand cooperation for the welfare of the people among the 
     political parties.
       Four years will soon pass. We have no time for wavering or 
     waiting. For the purpose of laying a solid and secure 
     foundation for the country and bequeathing a happy and 
     comfortable life to the future generations, let us get off to 
     a very good start today--May 20, 1996.
       First, we have to broaden and deepen the democratic 
     exercise. Horizontally, we will share our democratic 
     experience with all Chinese and international friends. 
     Vertically, we will proceed to phase 2 constitutional reform, 
     promote clean elections, ensure clean and efficient 
     government, enhance law and order, restructure the political 
     landscape, and strengthen the multiparty political system, so 
     as to guarantee stability and development for democracy.
       Economic growth and political democracy are equally 
     important. Without continued success in economic development, 
     we risk losing everything. We have to make sure that the plan 
     for turning Taiwan into a hub for business operations in the 
     Asia-Pacific region will proceed on schedule so that this 
     country may from a position of strength play a role to be 
     reckoned with in the international community and in the 
     process of national unification. In the meanwhile we have to 
     plan ahead for national development well into the next 
     century, nurture a liberalized and internationalized economic 
     regime in as short as possible a period of time, foster a 
     low-tax, obstacle-free business climate, renovate the land 
     system, improve the small and medium business, and greatly 
     enhance national competitiveness. Only when thus prepared 
     will we be able to compete in a new Asia-pacific age of 
     mutual benefit and co-prosperity, thus becoming an 
     indispensable partner for prosperity and development 
     internationally.
       At the same time we do not intend to neglect development in 
     non-economic sectors. Our top priorities will be the judicial 
     system,

[[Page S5618]]

     education, culture, and social restructuring, which will have 
     to move ahead in tandem.
       Judicial reform should be based above all on the rule of 
     law. All judicial judgments have to be fair and make sure 
     that all are equal before the law. The rule of law being the 
     foundation of democracy, the cause of democracy will be 
     compromised to a serious extent if court rulings are not 
     trusted by the people. The reform will also guarantee full 
     respect for any fundamental human rights including those of 
     prisoners and parties to a law suit. Rectitude and efficiency 
     in the court and prosecutorial system will have to be 
     drastically improved.
       Reform in education aims to put into practice a concept of 
     education that imparts happiness, contentment, pluralism and 
     mutual respect. Such education is designed to develop 
     potentialities, respect individualism, promote humanism, and 
     encourage creativeness. All unreasonable restrictions will be 
     removed to allow the emergence of the life education system. 
     Ample room will be reserved for individual originality and 
     personal traits to ensure the continued pursuit of self-
     growth and self-realization. The new generation will be 
     assisted to know their homeland, love their country and 
     foster a broad international view. Fortified in this manner 
     they can better meet international challenges and map out a 
     bright future for their country in an increasingly 
     competitive global village.
       My fellow countrymen: After 5,000 years the Chinese are 
     still going strong solely because the derive sustenance from 
     an excellent culture. Under the strong impact of Western 
     civilization since the mid-19th century, Chinese culture has 
     gone through tribulations and shocks giving rise to a sharp 
     decline in national confidence. Bearing this in mind. I have 
     never stopped thinking about cultural regeneration. I am 
     hoping that the people of Taiwan will nurture a new life 
     culture as well as a broad and long-sighted view of life. The 
     new Chinese culture, with moorings in the immense Chinese 
     heritage, will draw upon Western cultural essence to 
     facilitate adapting to the new climate of the next century.
       This is the essence of the concept of ``manage the great 
     Taiwan, nurture a new Chinese culture.'' All the major 
     cultures originated in a very restricted area. The 5,000-year 
     Chinese culture also rose from a small region called Chung 
     Yuan. Uniquely situated at the confluence of mainland and 
     maritime cultures, Taiwan has been able in recent decades to 
     preserve traditional culture on the one hand and to come into 
     wide contact with Western democracy and science and modern 
     business culture on the other. Equipped with a much higher 
     level of education and development than in other parts of 
     China, Taiwan is set to gradually exercise its leadership 
     role in cultural development and take upon itself the 
     responsibility for nurturing a new Chinese culture.
       Managing the great Taiwan can nurture not just a new 
     culture, but also a new society. With political democracy, 
     Taiwan's society has become robustly pluralistic. The vigor 
     thus released will provide nourishment for new social life 
     and bring about further progress.
       We will regenerate family ethics and build up a strong 
     sense of community beginning at the grass roots. This will 
     enable us to have a harmonious and communicative society 
     where all members can have the joy of family life. People 
     will also be encouraged to live a simple life and treasure 
     all available resources. The land should be used based upon 
     optimum planning, and nature conservation should be promoted 
     to make it possible for future generations to savor the 
     beauty of the landscape. In the same spirit, we will take 
     better care of the disadvantaged groups in the interests of 
     social harmony and human dignity. We also want to have in 
     place a social security system, fair to all and sure to 
     endure, that provides for freedom from want. But this system 
     can only be installed gradually, depending upon the 
     availability of funding support.
       At the very time when we are engaged in the task of 
     developing the Republic of China on Taiwan, the overseas 
     Chinese are never out of mind. We do our very best continuing 
     to assist them in developing their careers. The welfare of 
     the Chinese in Hong Kong and Macao has always been of great 
     concern to us. We are ready to land them a helping hand to 
     help maintain democracy, freedom and prosperity in this area.
       Today the existence and development of the Republic of 
     China on Taiwan has won international recognition and 
     respect. In the new international order of today, such basic 
     tenets as democracy, human rights, peace and renunciation of 
     force are universally adhered to; they are in full accord 
     with the ideals upon which our country was founded. We will 
     continue to promote pragmatic diplomacy in compliance with 
     the principles of goodwill and reciprocity. By so doing we 
     will secure for our 21.3 million people enough room for 
     existence and development as well as the respect and 
     treatment they deserve in the international arena.
       My fellow countrymen: China has suffered a lot in the 20th 
     century. In the initial stages, it was buffeted with a series 
     of invasions, and over the last 50 years an ideological gap 
     has been responsible for the Chinese-fighting-Chinese 
     tragedy, resulting in confrontation and enmity among the 
     Chinese. I have been of the view that on the threshold of the 
     21st century the two sides of the Taiwan Straits should work 
     for ending this historical tragedy and ushering in a new 
     epoch when Chinese should help each other.
       It is this consideration that over the past years has been 
     guiding our initiative in promoting a win-win strategy for 
     expanding cross-straits relations leading to eventual 
     national unification, but we are doing this on the premise 
     that the Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu area is well 
     protected and the welfare of its people safeguarded. 
     Unfortunately, the cross-straits relationship has experienced 
     bumps from time to time because the Chinese Communists have 
     refused to admit the very fact that the Republic of China 
     does exist in the area. Beginning last year, the Chinese 
     Communists, because of their opposition to democracy, 
     launched against myself a smear campaign using false charges 
     to damage my credibility, but I simply ignore their 
     irrational behavior and remain patient. An eye for an eye is 
     no solution to an historical question of 50 years.
       In an attempt to influence the outcome of the first popular 
     presidential election in March, the Chinese Communist 
     conducted a series of military exercises against Taiwan, but 
     unrivaled restraint prevailed in this country. We know that 
     it is imperative that peace and stability be maintained in 
     the Asia-Pacific region. More important, we would not like to 
     see the sudden disappearance of the economic growth in 
     mainland China that has been made possible with great 
     difficulty by its openness policy over the years. Patience on 
     the part of the 21.3 million people is not tantamount to 
     cowardice. Because we believe quiet tolerance is the only way 
     to dispel enmity bred by confrontation. We will never 
     negotiate under threat of attack, but we do not fear to 
     negotiate. Our position is that dialogue will lead to the 
     resolution of any issues between the two sides of the Taiwan 
     Straits.
       The Republic of China has always been a sovereign state. 
     Disputes across the Straits center around system and 
     lifestyle; they have nothing to do with ethnic or cultural 
     identity. Here in this country it is totally necessary or 
     impossible to adopt the so-called course of ``Taiwan 
     independence.'' For over 40 years, the two sides of the 
     Straits have been two separate jurisdictions due to various 
     historical factors, but it is also true that both sides 
     pursue eventual national unification. Only when both sides 
     face up to the facts and engage in dialogue with profound 
     sincerity and patience will they be able to find the solution 
     to the unification question and work for the common welfare 
     of the Chinese people.
       Today, I will seriously call upon the two sides of the 
     Straits to deal straightforwardly with the momentous question 
     of how to terminate the state of hostility between them, 
     which will then make a crucial contribution to the historic 
     task of unification. In the future, at the call of my country 
     and with the support of its people, I would like to embark 
     upon a journey of peace to mainland China taking with me the 
     consensus and will of the 21.3 million people. I am also 
     ready to meet with the top leadership of the Chinese 
     Communists for a direct exchange of views in order to open up 
     a new era of communication and cooperation between the two 
     sides and ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-
     Pacific region.
       My fellow countrymen: We in Taiwan have realized the 
     Chinese dream. The Chinese of the 20th century have been 
     striving for the realization of a happy, wealthy China and of 
     Dr. Sun Yat-sen's ``popular sovereignty'' ideal. For 50 
     years, we have created in the Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and 
     Matsu area an eye-catching ``economic miracle'' and achieved 
     a world-acclaimed democratic reform. The Chinese who were 
     regarded as dictatorial, feudalistic, penurious, and backward 
     by Western countries one century ago have by now created in 
     the Taiwan area a new land of democracy, wealth and progress, 
     proudly enjoying enthusiastic recognition from the world. 
     This stand for not just a proud achievement of our 21.3 
     million people; it marks a crucial departure for the Chinese 
     people to rise again to a new height of glory. We believe 
     that whatever is achieved by the Chinese in Taiwan can also 
     be achieved by the Chinese in mainland China. We are willing 
     to provide our developmental experience as an aid in mapping 
     out the direction of development in mainland China. The 
     fruits of our hard work can be used to assist in enhancing 
     the welfare of million of our compatriots on the mainland. 
     The Chinese on the two sides can thus join forces for the 
     benefit of the prosperity and development of the Chinese 
     nation as a whole.
       My fellow countrymen: I wish to take this opportunity to 
     express my heartfelt gratitude for the trust you have reposed 
     in me. Today, I have accepted with humility and solemnity the 
     office of the ninth-term President of the Republic of China 
     at the swearing-in ceremony this morning. I fully understand 
     the meaning of this office as well as the duties of this 
     office. I pledge myself to the complete performance of my 
     duties to the best of my power. I would never fail you. 
     Meanwhile, I sincerely call upon all my fellow citizens to 
     give me wholehearted, unselfish and patient support so that 
     we may stride forward hand in hand into the 21st century. I 
     am convinced that during the next century the Chinese people 
     will be able to achieve the historic enterprise of peaceful 
     unification and do their very part for the peace and 
     development of the world.
       May I wish the Republic of China continued prosperity and 
     all the distinguished guests health and happiness. Thank 
     you.

[[Page S5619]]



      THE CLOSURE OF PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE: A MATTER OF COMMON SENSE

 Mr. Pryor. Mr. President, there has been a lot of talk 
recently, both in Congress and in the media, about reopening the area 
of Pennsylvania Avenue directly in front of the White House that was 
closed due to security concerns. Reopening the street to commuter 
traffic sound good to drivers who are inconvenienced. But before we 
tear down security structures at any Federal facility we should step 
back and review recent events in Oklahoma City and New York. The 
security of Federal buildings has become a serious issue indeed, and 
when the lives of Americans are threatened we cannot afford to act 
politically.
  About 1 year ago, Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, whose department 
is charged with protecting the President, ordered the Secret Service to 
close Pennsylvania Avenue to vehicular traffic in front of the White 
House. His decision was not made precipitously but only after it was 
called for by the most comprehensive study of White House security in 
our Nation's history. That study, which was conducted by a body called 
the White House Security Review, determined that the threat of violent 
acts against the White House, and other Federal buildings, had grown 
much more serious over the last decade.
  It does not take a big study to tell us that times have changed and 
that there is a greater threat to Federal buildings such as the White 
House. The World Trade Center bombing, the Oklahoma City bombing, not 
to mention the murder near CIA headquarters 10 miles from here, are 
ample evidence of the threat that domestic terrorism now poses in 
America.
  Mr. President, all of us agree that the White House is the property 
of the public, that it should be as accessible as reasonable possible. 
But the White House Security Review clearly found that the threat to 
public safety from an open Pennsylvania Avenue far outweighed the 
inconvenience to commuters and sightseers in cars. After much 
consideration the Review concluded that it was, not able to identify 
any alternative to prohibiting vehicular traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue 
that would ensure the protection of the President and others in the 
White House complex from explosive devices carried in vehicles near the 
perimeter. These findings were endorsed by its independent bipartisan 
Advisory Committee, which included former Secretary of Transportation 
William Coleman and the former Director of the FBI and CIA, Judge 
William Webster.
  According to every authorative study of the situation, restricting 
car traffic around the White House is more than reasonable. It is 
essential.
  Many argue that Secretary Rubin's actions have had a negative effect 
on America's enjoyment of the White House. However, tours have 
continued as scheduled, and visitors can now enjoy walking and biking 
down Pennsylvania Avenue without danger of vehicular traffic. The White 
House is still the people's house and many would say that enjoyment has 
been increased by the evolving pedestrian mall.
  Perhaps the strongest argument against closure of Pennsylvania Avenue 
in front of the White House is that it causes traffic problems for city 
motorists. While it is true that closure of this area has increased an 
already bad traffic problem, the Department of Transportation's Federal 
Highway Administration and the District of Columbia's Department of 
Public Works are examining short-term and long-term measures to reduce 
traffic problems in the city.
  Again, inconvenience of drivers around the White House cannot take 
precedent over the safety of the public who visit the White House, the 
public servants who work in the White House and, of course, the 
President and his family. Our Government and society places a high 
value on human life and I think even the most anxious D.C. driver would 
not want their zeal to get around town to result in harm to another 
American.
  It is also valuable to note that the creation of a pedestrian mall is 
consistent with President Washington's vision for the White House, and 
it is similar to a proposal that President and Mrs. Kennedy endorsed a 
generation ago.
  Mr. President, Americans have long been known for their freedom, but 
I like to think Americans are also known for their common sense. While 
I realize that restricting access to any public building is not 
consistent with America's sense of freedom, I would argue that 
reopening Pennsylvania Avenue is contrary to our good common sense.
  Mr. President, Secretary Rubin made a wise decision a year ago. He 
used his common sense and decided that closing Pennsylvania Avenue was 
the right thing to do. Let's not overrule his good judgment or 
jeopardize the people's house by reopening Pennsylvania Avenue.

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