[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 61 (Thursday, May 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E869]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF TAIWAN PRESIDENT DR. LEE TENG-HUI'S INAUGURATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 1998

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, in 1996, Dr. Lee Teng-hui was sworn in as 
the ninth President of Taiwan, Republic of China after having been 
elected in the first-ever popular election held in this island nation. 
This year marks the second year of his inauguration into office.
  In addition to being one of our closest associates in Asia, Taiwan 
has steadily matured as an economic stronghold. The last few years has 
seen the republic's economy grow at a spectacular rate. It is currently 
one of the United States' largest trading partners.
  As the delegate from Guam, I recognize the fact that the island and 
people that I represent share deep cultural and historical ties with 
Taiwan. My constituency includes a substantial number of Taiwanese 
immigrants. As in numerous locales, Taiwanese immigrants have 
integrated themselves with our island community over the years and have 
emerged as a vital force in the development and growth of Guam. In 
addition, Taiwanese tourists contribute to the island's economy. Made 
possible by the visa-waiver program recently implemented for Taiwanese 
citizens, Guam has greatly benefited from the business they bring.
  We applaud Taiwan's economic achievements and political progress. I 
am positive that their leaders, many of whom were educated in the 
United States, will continue to lead their nation towards prosperity 
and success.
  On behalf of the people of Guam I would like to congratulate 
President Lee Teng-hui on the second anniversary of his inauguration as 
president. I join them the people of Taiwan in their celebrations and 
wish them continued prosperity.

                          ____________________