[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 69 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TAIWAN'S PRESIDENT LEE DESERVES PRAISE FOR SUCCESS DURING HIS FIRST 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. WILLIAM J. JEFFERSON

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 1997

  Mr. JEFFERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note that Monday, May 20, 
1997, marked the first anniversary of the administration of President 
Lee Teng-hui and Vice President Lien Chen of Taiwan.
  A few weeks ago, several Members of Congress and I stopped briefly, 
too briefly, in Taipei on our return to the United States from a 
congressional trade development trip to Asia and the Pacific rim.
  During our stopover, we had the opportunity to visit with President 
Lee and Vice President Lien. President Lee impressed me, and I believe 
other members of the delegation, with his commitment to instituting 
full democracy in Taiwan. I was equally impressed by President Lee's 
commitment to provide a higher standard of living in Taiwan and to 
improve relations with both the United States and China.
  The first-year record of President Lee and Vice President Chen offers 
promise for future progress. Taiwan has maintained a steady economic 
growth with a per capita income of $13,000--U.S.--that is equivalent of 
many Western European countries. Taiwan has expanded relations with 
several countries and has sought a continuing dialog with the People's 
Republic of China about eventual unification with a more democratic and 
open government in China.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, President Lee deserves congratulations on the 
many accomplishments during his first year in office and best wishes 
for continued success and progress. I hope that I will be able to visit 
Taiwan again and to stay longer than just a few hours.

                          ____________________