[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 59 (Thursday, May 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E873-E874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            TAIWAN DEMOCRACY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 1997

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the impressive strides that the Government and people of 
Taiwan have made in strengthening democracy and a free market system in 
their

[[Page E874]]

country. I have visited Taiwan in the past and during my visit, I was 
struck with the industriousness of the people and, particularly, with 
their heartfelt embrace of democracy. I am proud to count among my 
friends many of the Taiwanese Government officials, business leaders, 
and ordinary citizens that I met during my all-too-brief visit. The 
Taiwanese have created a society that is characterized by a vibrant 
culture, hardworking people, and a burgeoning economy.
  All of the positive developments in Taiwan today are directly 
attributable to the commitment of the Taiwanese people to democratic 
government and democratic principles. While Taiwan cannot claim over 
200 years of experience with democratic government as we in the United 
States can, Taiwan's relatively young democracy has demonstrated 
resilience and vitality in the face of enormous external and internal 
pressures. As to those pressures, we are all aware of the tension 
between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China related to the issue 
of reunification. Additionally, like any country experiencing rapid 
economic growth, there are increased pressures brought to bear on the 
societal fabric by the unique changes such growth creates.
  A significant amount of credit for the stability and economic growth 
that Taiwan is experiencing should go to President Lee Teng-hui--who 
will be celebrating his first anniversary in office on May 20--and his 
administration. Among other things, through his leadership of Taiwan, 
President Lee has fostered an economic environment that stimulates 
technological and industrial innovation. He has also set a course for 
Taiwan that is moving the country closer to the goal of reconciliation 
and reunification with mainland China. He is to be commended for his 
leadership of Taiwan. In closing, therefore, I applaud the people and 
Government of Taiwan for persevering in their pursuit of democracy and 
free enterprise.

                          ____________________