[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           TAIWAN ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BILL RICHARDSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, October 10 marks the 85th anniversary of 
the founding of the Republic of China [ROC]. In Taiwan, October 10 is 
known as National Day and is a day of celebration and remembrance. I 
think it is important my colleagues and I take a moment to send our 
congratulations to the 21 million people on Taiwan for promoting 
market-orientated solutions to their economy and developing a strong 
participatory democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, three decades ago Taiwan was an underdeveloped nation. 
During the past 30 years, the people on Taiwan have worked diligently, 
saved much, and invested wisely. Today, the ROC is the United States' 
sixth largest trading partner and enjoys a standard of living which 
approaches the United States. Ten years ago, the ROC also began a 
political transformation to democracy beginning with legislative 
elections. These reforms culminated with the popular, direct election 
of Li Teng-hui as Taiwan's President.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan has always shown that it can overcome adversity 
and achieve success. Taiwan proved that again earlier this year when 
the People's Republic of China [PRC] attempted to interfere in Taiwan's 
presidential elections by staging military maneuvers in the Taiwan 
straits. The people of Taiwan, however, did not permit the PRC to 
tamper with this exercise of their democratic rights. The strength and 
perseverance of the people on Taiwan is a lesson for all the world. I 
hope my colleagues will join me in wishing the ROC continued success.

                          ____________________