[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BILL K. BREWSTER

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. BREWSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
Republic of China's 85th National Day, which will be celebrated on 
October 10, 1996.
  Much has been written about Taiwan's economic achievements in recent 
years, but a broad range of political reforms have also taken place in 
the Republic of China on Taiwan during the last few years. Today, every 
member of Taiwan's legislative and representative institutions are 
chosen through free and open elections. In March 1996, Taiwan held its 
first ever presidential election. Taiwan's multi-party system 
encourages broad scale representation, and American style campaigns. In 
addition, an individual's right to free speech, assembly and petition 
are virtually unrestricted. The Republic of China is now ranked as one 
of the world's freest nations.
  In celebration of the Republic of China's National Day, I want to 
congratulate President Lee Teng-hui and Vice President Lien Chan, and 
thank them for their outstanding leadership. I also wish to welcome 
Taiwan's Representative, Jason Hu, to Washington, DC. During the last 3 
months, Representative Hu has been working very hard to strengthen our 
relations with Taiwan.
  In conclusion, I also want to congratulate Dr. Lyushun Shen on his 
promotion and transfer to Taiwan. I had the pleasure of working with 
Dr. Shen while he served as the Congressional Liaison Director at the 
Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Washington, DC. 
Through his efforts in the past 3 years, we have seen our relationship 
with Taiwan improve and grow. Dr. Shen is a first rate diplomat, and I 
wish him all the best in his new post.

                          ____________________