[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 7 (Thursday, February 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         PRESIDENT LEE TENG-HUI CELEBRATES TEN YEARS IN OFFICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 5, 1998

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, President Lee Teng-hui of the Republic of 
China assumed the office of the Presidency on January 13th, 1988, upon 
the sudden death of President Chiang Ching-kuo. On March 21st, 1990, 
Lee was elected in his own right by the National Assembly as eighth 
President of the Republic of China. On March 23rd, 1996, Lee won a 
landslide victory in the first direct presidential election in the 
history of China. President Lee was sworn in as the ninth President of 
the Republic of China on May 20, 1996.
  In the past ten years, Taiwan has made remarkable progress in moving 
toward full-fledged democracy. Vigorous opposition parties compete in 
regular, fair, frequent elections, allowing Taiwan citizens an 
opportunity to determine the future of their nation. In fact, Taiwan 
has succeeded in developing full democratic representation at all 
levels of government throughout the island.
  The right and responsibility to choose political representatives 
through the ballot box is guaranteed in the Republic of China 
Constitution. Taiwan's political leaders, from the lowest 
administrative officer to the highest office holder, must be 
accountable to the people.
  The people of Taiwan will decide Taiwan's future with mainland China. 
The 21 million people in Taiwan have rejected the so-called ``one 
country, two systems'' approach advocated by the government on the 
mainland. In order for meaningful dialogue to begin between Taipei and 
Peking, President Lee Teng-hui has made it very clear that the two 
sides must first narrow the enormous differences between the standards 
of living and political systems.
  On the matter of economic cooperation between the two sides, 
President Lee Teng-hui on January 7th explained Taiwan's ``no haste, be 
patient'' policy on investment in mainland China by saying that the 
policy is aimed at protecting Taiwan's entrepreneurs and Taiwan's 
overall interests.
  In addition to advocating economic caution in dealings with mainland 
China, President Lee has repeatedly said that Taiwan, like all 
sovereign nations, must be given a place in the international 
community. Since mainland China has never stopped trying to have Taipei 
expelled from the world village, Taiwan must promote its ``pragmatic 
diplomacy'' more actively.
  There is no question that Taiwan faces many challenges in the world. 
But Taiwan stands tall and firm as a beacon of freedom in the Far East. 
In addition, I would like to express admiration for Taiwan and 
President Lee Teng-hui for their skill in economic management. While 
other countries in Asia are suffering from plunging currency values, 
Taiwan has remained secure and stable.
  In large measure, that is because of Taiwan's careful banking 
practices, and high foreign reserves. The Washington Post reports that 
Taiwan has been so confident of its fiscal management that it is 
prepared to use its vast financial resources to aid its Southeast Asian 
neighbors. As an indication of Taiwan's willingness to offer help to 
its troubled neighbors, high-level delegations, composed of government 
officials and business leaders, have been visiting the Philippines, 
Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.
  Taiwan is a good neighbor in Asia and a responsible member of the 
international community.
  On the occasion of President Lee's ten years in office, I wish him 
and his country much good fortune in the months and years ahead.
  May the year of the Tiger be a good one for all my friends in Taiwan.

                          ____________________