[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, October 10 marks the anniversary of the birth 
of the Republic of China [ROC]. On this occasion, I wish to send my 
greetings and congratulations to the leaders on Taiwan, especially to 
President Lee Teng Hui.
  For many years Taiwan has been a loyal trading partner of the United 
States. Its people participate in and fully subscribe to the principles 
of freedom and democracy. They have worked with the United States on 
issues ranging from endangered species to trademark infringements. 
Taiwan is our friend and ally.
  One of the ways the United States can help Taiwan is to make sure the 
ROC has an easy transition into the World Trade Organization [WTO]. 
Without question their economic status and legal system more than 
qualify them for membership. The only reason Taiwan has not been 
admitted to the WTO is the strong objection of the People's Republic of 
China. While the United States formally recognizes the PRC, we must not 
allow our relations with the 21 million people on Taiwan to be 
compromised by the demands of the PRC, and if it were not for the 
situation with the PRC, they would be a member today. The United States 
should work to assure the ROC its rightful place at the table in the 
WTO. Better relations between the U.S. and the PRC must not come at the 
expense of the 21 million people on Taiwan who must depend on the 
United States to help promote and defend their interests.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan is fortunate to have Dr. Jason Hu as the new 
representative in Washington. Dr. Hu formerly served as the head of the 
Government Information Office. He replaced Benjamin Lu who has returned 
to Taipei to serve as an advisor to the President. I also want to take 
this opportunity to note that several solid officials from the Taipei 
representative office here in Washington will be returning to Taiwan at 
the end of the month. Dr. Lyushen Shen, and his colleague Mr. James 
Huang, have served their country admirably during their time here in 
Washington.
  The October 10 celebration marks the continuance of the friendship 
between our two countries, as well as the founding of a nation. Again, 
I congratulate Taiwan on the occasion of its National Day.

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