[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      86TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROC

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, October 10 marks the 86th anniversary of 
the founding of the Republic of China [ROC]. In Taiwan, October 10 is 
known as National Day and is a day of celebration and remembrance. I 
think it is important that my colleagues and I take a moment to send 
our congratulations to the 21 million people on Taiwan for developing a 
strong participatory democracy.
  The ROC government began 11 years ago to take the final steps toward 
true political maturity. They broadened the scope of local and national 
elections, increased licensing of private TV and radio stations, and 
privatized government-owned monopolies. These reforms culminated with 
the popular, direct election of Lee Teng-hui as Taiwan's President.
  Mr. Speaker, the Republic of China's current representative to the 
United States, Dr. Jason C. Hu has been an integral part of the 
positive political developments of the past 11 years. In 1991, as a 
cabinet official under President Lee, Dr. Hu helped to open the 
political system to greater participation. As the President's spokesman 
during the last election, Dr. Hu helped to get out President Lee's 
message of political inclusion which helped garner Lee more than 54 
percent of the vote in a four-way race. As representative to the United 
States, Dr. Hu has worked to strengthen ties between the United States 
and the ROC.
  Later this month, Dr. Hu will be returning to the ROC to become the 
Minister of Foreign Affairs. In this very senior position within the 
President's cabinet, Dr. Hu will build on the work he has begun here in 
the United States. I am sure he will help guide the ROC to even better 
relations with the United States. I hope my colleagues will join me in 
congratulating the ROC on its National Day, and in wishing Dr. Hu well 
and thanking him for all his assistance.

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