[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TAIWAN'S GROWING DEMOCRACY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 1997

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, March 20, 1997, is a significant date for 
Taiwanese citizens. It marks the first year anniversary of direct 
presidential elections, an unprecedented event for the people of 
Taiwan. Taiwan's stellar rise from an agricultural, authoritarian 
regime to an increasingly democratic economic powerhouse is testimony 
to its reform-minded policies.
  Significant events which led to the 1996 presidential elections 
include the termination of martial law in July, 1987, by President 
Chiang Ching-kuo. In 1990, the National Assembly chose Mr. Lee Teng-hui 
for the presidency and he proceeded with various reforms, such as 
legalizing opposition parties and restructuring the parliamentary 
groups. As a result, not only has there been a trend toward 
decentralizing political power, greater personal freedom, and less 
restrictions on the press are also other beneficial results of these 
reforms.
  Taiwan is an emerging democracy, one which is a major political and 
economic player in the Asia-Pacific region. As our Asian neighbors, the 
people of Guam appreciate Taiwan's contributions to the economic 
transactions in the region. March 20 is certainly an important date, 
not only for the people of Taiwan, but for democratically minded 
citizens everywhere. It is further affirmation that democratic 
principles are not confined to certain groups, it is a universal 
conviction.
  I offer my congratulations to President Lee Teng-hui for the immense 
progress he and the Government of Taiwan have achieved. His victory in 
last year's popular presidential elections confirm Taiwanese commitment 
to Mr. Lee's capable leadership and vision for the future.

                          ____________________