[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 66 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELECTION OF PRESIDENT LEE TENG-HUI IN TAIWAN

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                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 1997

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is a most significant anniversary--
an anniversary, we, in the Congress, wholeheartedly join in 
celebrating. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the 
direct election of Lee Teng-Hui as President of the Republic of China 
on Taiwan. One year ago the people of Taiwan went to the polls to cast 
their ballots for President in a free and open democratic election. One 
year ago, we witnessed a great triumph for democracy--a triumph in the 
face of threats and intimidation.
  As my colleagues recall, 1 year ago, the people of Taiwan faced the 
threat of military attack by the People's Republic of China which 
conducted missile tests less than 50 miles off the coast of Taiwan. 
Beijing combined aggressive statements with threats of military action 
in a determined effort to coerce the people of Taiwan into abandoning 
their democratic aspirations. Despite these serious attempts at 
intimidation, voters turned out in the Presidential election in heavy 
numbers. President Lee was elected overwhelmingly in a race between 
three candidates in an election that was--by every account--free and 
fair and democratic.
  Mr. Speaker, President Lee's election is important to remember today 
because this marks the first time a Chinese head of state has ever been 
elected by popular vote. It also marks the culmination of a 10-year 
process of transforming Taiwan into a vibrant market-oriented 
democracy. In 1986 the Republic of China on Taiwan embarked on a 
mission to empower all of its citizens to decide freely and 
democratically who would be the leaders of their government. That 
process led to the election of city councilmen, municipal officials, 
and national legislators, and it reached its ultimate conclusion in the 
first Presidential election last year.
  Mr. Speaker, during President Lee Teng-Hui's first term as 
democratically elected President, Taiwan saw its economy remain strong 
and its stock market soar. I am certain that my colleagues join me in 
commending and congratulating President Lee on a most successful first 
year, and we wish him and all of the people on Taiwan continued peace 
and prosperity.

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