[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 108 (Tuesday, August 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             A DEMOCRATIC TAIWAN WILL CONTINUE TO FLOURISH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ROBERT SMITH

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 4, 1998

  Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, during President Clinton's visit to 
China, President Clinton mentioned that the United States would not 
support Taiwan independence, the ``two Chinas'' or ``one China, one 
Taiwan'' concepts and ROC's membership in organizations that require 
statehood.
  Congress's reaction to Clinton's statement has been strong. The 
United States Senate passed a resolution 92-0 on July 10, reaffirming 
United States commitment to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan 
Relations Act. A similar resolution passed the House by a 390-1 vote on 
July 21. On the same day, Taiwan Foreign Minister Jason Hu thanked the 
United States lawmakers for their friendship and support.
  In Washington, in a press interview prior to Clinton's Shanghai 
statement on the three no's, Taiwan Representative Stephen Chen said, 
``The Republic of China in 1998 is no longer the ROC of 1949. How many 
countries in the world can compare with the Republic of China in its 
development of freedom, democracy, equitable distribution of wealth and 
human rights? The Republic of China in 1998 will not be sacrificed by 
anyone.'' Chen expressed full confidence in Taiwan's future as long as 
the people in Taiwan rely upon themselves and adhere to the principles 
of full democratization. He concluded that a democratic Taiwan will 
continue to flourish.
  Meanwhile President Lee Teng-hui has instructed the Foreign Ministry 
to evaluate the Clinton-Jiang summit's possible impact in the following 
areas: human rights, democracy, regional peace and stability, and 
further dialogue with the People's Republic of China on resolution of 
disputes between the two sides. On July 22, President Lee stated 
unequivocally that China must become unified. Unification, he said, 
must be under a system of democracy, freedom and equal prosperity to 
ensure the well being of the Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan 
Strait.

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