[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 55 (Wednesday, May 6, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E779-E780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      CONGRATULATIONS TO PRESIDENT LEE-TENG-HUI OF CHINA ON TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 6, 1998

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate and extend 
my best wishes to President Lee Teng-hui and Vice President Lien Chin 
of the Republic of China on Taiwan on their second anniversary in 
office on May 20, 1998.
  In the last few years, Taiwan has continued to prosper, having 
survived the latest financial crisis. As the world's fourteenth largest 
economic entity, Taiwan plays a significant part in global trade and 
Asian economies. Taiwan's per capita income of $13,000 U.S. dollars, 
one of the highest in Asia, provides a rich market for U.S. consumer 
goods.

[[Page E780]]

  Alongside its economic success, Taiwan has embarked upon a course of 
full democratization, including the free and direct election of the 
president, political pluralism, press liberalization, island-wide 
elections and a full constitutional reform.
  The Republic of China on Taiwan is a showcase of free enterprise and 
democracy at work. Much of Taiwan's success is directly attributable to 
its leadership.
  Congratulations to our friends in Taiwan.

                          ____________________