[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 135 (Thursday, September 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 ______
                                 

                 REPUBLIC OF CHINA'S 85TH NATIONAL DAY

 Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, in the last few years, the 
Republic of China has continued to prosper and develop as a democratic 
model. It is our sixth largest trading partner and the world's 13th 
largest trading nation. Its per capita income of $12,000 is one of the 
highest in Asia.
  Alongside its economic success, Taiwan has embarked upon a course of 
democratization, including political pluralism, press liberalization, 
island-wide elections, a first ever presidential election in March 
1996, and full constitutional reform.
  On the eve of the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of 
China, I extend my best wishes to President Lee Teng-hui, Foreign 
Minister John H. Chang, and Ambassador Jason Hu. May they long continue 
to be a shining example of democracy in Asia.

                          ____________________