[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 136 (Friday, September 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




UNITED STATES FRIENDSHIP WITH TAIWAN--THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC 
                           ON CHINA ON TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, since we all expect that the Congress will 
adjourn within the next few days, I want to take this opportunity to 
extend my congratulations to the Republic of China on Taiwan just a few 
days early. The national holiday is celebrated on October 10. October 
10 of this year marks the 85th anniversary of the Chinese revolution of 
1911 and the formation of the Republic of China.
  Mr. Speaker, this past year was an important but a difficult one for 
the people of Taiwan and the Government of Taiwan. The people of Taiwan 
faced a severe test when the Government went forward with open and 
democratic presidential elections while the People's Republic of China 
launched missiles less than 50 miles off the coast of Taiwan in an 
effort to intimidate the voters and the Government.
  Despite the Beijing government's attempts to bully and intimidate the 
voters of Taiwan, the Taiwanese electorate ignored the threat of 
military attack and participated in that election in overwhelming 
numbers. More than two-thirds of the eligible voters went to the polls. 
President Lee Teng-Hui won 54 percent of the vote in a four-way race 
and became the first popularly elected President in the history of the 
Republic of China.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan's continued independence and security is crucial 
to the United States economically, militarily, and politically. 
Economically, Taiwan is the sixth largest trading partner of the United 
States, and Taiwan is one of the only nations in Asia that has 
successfully reduced its trade deficit with our Nation every year for 
the past 10 years--an action that has been taken with the active 
support of the Taipei government.
  Militarily, Taiwan's survival is important to maintain balance in the 
Pacific region, and its continued military strength is an important 
element in contributing to the reduction of tensions throughout the 
region. Politically, Taiwan represents one of the finest examples in 
the world of the success of efforts to foster democracy and freedom and 
respect for human and civil rights. Taiwan began as a country 
desperately in need of American assistance for food, infrastructure, 
and military assistance. Now Taiwan is an example of incredible 
success--Taiwan now is an important source of assistance to other 
emerging democracies. Simply put, it is in the United State's interest 
to help maintain the independence and integrity of the democratic 
Republic of China on Taiwan.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this occasion to welcome the 
new Representative of Taiwan in the United States, Dr. Jason Hu. Dr. Hu 
previously served as the head of the Government Information Office in 
Taipei and was a principal advisor to President Lee Teng-hui. His 
presence here is a clear signal that the Government of Taiwan greatly 
values a continuing, strong relationship between our two countries. I 
would also like to note that two of Taiwan's best diplomats are leaving 
positions here in Washington to take new senior positions in the 
Foreign Ministry in Taipei--Dr. Lyushen Shen and Mr. James Huang. Both 
of these senior have served their country well here in Washington and 
those of us who have had the opportunity to work with them will miss 
their knowledge, skill, and commitment.
  I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating the people of the 
Republic of China on Taiwan on the occasion of the National Day this 
October 10. May the friendship and strong relations that have bound our 
two countries for many generations continue for many, many more.