[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 20, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H2937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELECTION OF LI TENG-HUI
(Mr. KING asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the first anniversary of
the popular election Li Teng-hui as the President of the Republic of
China. This is historic because it was the first time in history that
the people of China have elected their President, the first time a head
of state in China has been elected by the people.
Last year 21 million in Taiwan went to the polls in record numbers.
This was a tremendous victory, not just for President Li, who a number
of Members have met over the years, but more importantly it was a
victory of the people of China, because in going to the polls they
defied the force and might of the mainland Chinese, who were launching
missile tests and were doing everything they could to harass and
intimidate the people on the island of Taiwan.
Mr. Speaker, for many years the people on Taiwan and their government
have been our strong allies and friends. It is essential that we commit
ourselves to standing with them. The Republic of China deserves our
support, President Li deserves our support, and I am proud to stand
today commemorating his election as the first ever popularly elected
President in the history of China.
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