[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 130 (Thursday, September 19, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1649-E1650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS ON 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA NATIONAL DAY

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                               speech of

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 1996

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the 85th 
National Day of the Republic of China, I would like to convey my 
greetings and congratulations to President Lee Teng-hui and the people 
in Taiwan.
  The Republic of China on Taiwan is the 7th largest trading partner 
with the United States and the 17th largest trading country in the 
world. The Republic of China on Taiwan is an excellent example to the 
third world of how a free market system can achieve economic success in 
tandem with democracy. The Republic of China on Taiwan has achieved one 
of the highest standards of living in all of Asia, coupled with respect 
for human rights, freedom of speech, and full-fledged pluralism.
  Such a country deserves to be a participant in the international 
community, namely, all

[[Page E1650]]

international organizations. But the Republic of China has always been 
isolated by the People's Republic of China. I want to reiterate here an 
unfair situation of Republic of China's accession to the World Trade 
Organization.
  The Republic of China applied to the GATT Secretariat for membership 
on January 1, 1990. Because the WTO was established in January 1995 to 
replace GATT after 1996, the Republic of China reapplied to the WTO 
Secretariat for membership on December 1, 1995. Under the pressure of 
the People's Republic of China, a political understanding among 
members--including the United States--of WTO was reached which promised 
that the People's Republic of China should be admitted to the WTO 
earlier than the Republic of China. But the People's Republic of China 
is still reluctant to remove obstacles to comply with WTO criteria, 
therefore the Republic of China has to wait even though they are ready 
to fulfill all obligations as a WTO member.
  I believe that the Republic of China on Taiwan's accession to WTO 
should be considered separately with the People's Republic of China's. 
Whoever reaches the criterion first, should join the WTO first. It is 
unfair and unjust to ask Taiwan to wait for the People's Republic of 
China joining the WTO first.
  I would like to enter into the Congressional Record that I praise the 
Republic of China's endeavors in its bid to join the WTO, and I 
maintain that political pressure from the People's Republic of China 
should not hinder the Republic of China's accession to the WTO.

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