[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              A YEAR OF SUCCESS FOR THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DANA ROHRABACHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 1997

  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, later this month on May 21, the 
Republic of China on Taiwan will mark a historic milestone. It will be 
the 1-year anniversary of President Lee Teng-hui's inauguration as 
China's first democratically elected President. President Lee's 
election was the culmination of a 10-year process of democratization 
and economic reforms which transformed the Republic of China into an 
economic powerhouse and a model for other emerging democracies in the 
world.
  It was just a year ago that the People's Republic of China was 
launching missiles across the Taiwan Strait in the vicinity of Taiwan's 
main ports. This crude attempt to intimidate Taiwan's 21 million 
people, as they prepared themselves to elect their national leadership 
and, failed miserably. That failure for the PRC was great triumph for 
Taiwan. President Lee was overwhelmingly elected with 54 percent of the 
vote. In doing so, the people of Taiwan demonstrated their commitment 
and resolve to the democratic values we all share. I was proud to 
organize the congressional delegation which traveled to Taipei last 
year to witness President Lee's swearing in. I organized that trip 
because I respect and admire what President Lee has accomplished, and I 
am proud to call him my friend.
  The past 12 months of President Lee's leadership has been a time of 
continued achievement and success for Taiwan. The Republic of China 
remains the United States seventh largest trading partner and best ally 
in Asia. In spite of the PRC's efforts to undermine Taiwan's free 
market, Taiwan's stock market has soared 36 percent and official 
reserves in Taiwan now exceed $90 billion. All of these achievements 
are a testament to the successful policies of President Lee and his 
government.
  Mr. Speaker, I also want to take this opportunity to point out that 
we are also approaching the first anniversary of the appointment of 
John Chang as the Republic of China's Foreign Minister. Mr. Chang has a 
long and illustrious career as a diplomat, having served previously as 
Minister of Overseas Chinese and as head of the North American 
Division. I and many of my colleagues know about Mr. Chang's work and 
leadership, and I would like to take this opportunity to salute his 
success in keeping our bilateral relationship, while not official, for 
now, as warm and strong as ever.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, this month also marks the anniversary of Mr. 
Jason Hu's first year as the representative of the Taipei Economic and 
Cultural Office [TECRO]. TECRO serves as the ROC's unofficial embassy 
here in Washington. Ambassador Hu previously served as President Lee's 
spokesman, and was a vital part of President Lee's team during the 
election. Since arriving in Washington, Ambassador Hu has developed 
many warm relationships with Members of this body and has worked 
tirelessly to insure United States-Republic of China relations continue 
to improve.
  Mr. Speaker, the ROC is a beacon of democracy in a region of the 
world too often shrouded in the darkness of oppression and tyranny. The 
ROC is our friend and partner, and Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank 
you for stopping in Taiwan during your recent trip to Asia. And I want 
to thank you for speaking for me when you remarked that the United 
States should defend Taiwan if attacked. Once again, congratulations 
President Lee, Minister Chang and Ambassador Hu on a successful year of 
remarkable accomplishments.

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