[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 20, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF PRESIDENT LEE TENG-HUI'S INAUGURATION

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                        HON. MATTHEW G. MARTINEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 1997

  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. Speaker, May 20, 1997, marks the first anniversary 
of President Lee Teng-hui's inauguration. I would like to take a brief 
moment to congratulate President Lee and the Taiwanese people for 
reaching this important democratic milestone.
  Ever since martial law was lifted in 1987, Taiwan has moved 
inexorably toward political liberalization and the development of a 
truly multiparty democratic system. Last year, the Taiwanese people, 
for the first time in their history, directly elected their President.
  Besides holding free and fair elections, Taiwan has liberalized its 
economy and reduced its trade surplus with the United States. As a 
leading member of the Asian Tigers, Taiwan has emerged as one of the 
world's top 15 trading entities and America's sixth largest trading 
partner. It should come as no surprise that the United States is today 
Taiwan's main foreign investor and trading partner, underscoring our 
special relationship.
  The United States receives about 25 percent of Taiwan's exports, 
mostly in the form of manufactured electronic goods, textiles, and 
other consumer products. I believe that it is imperative for the United 
States to strengthen its political and economic ties with Taipei by 
supporting Taiwan's efforts to join the United Nations and other 
international organizations. Moreover, the United States must continue 
to support Taiwan's ability to purchase necessary weapon systems so 
that it can better defend itself from potential military threats from 
its more imposing and threatening neighbor to the west.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I salute the indomitable spirit of the 
Taiwanese people and commend them and President Lee on this important 
democratic anniversary.

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