[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2025-E2026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 1998

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the Republic of China's 
National Day,

[[Page E2026]]

I wish to offer my congratulations to her people and her leaders. 
Taiwan has had a remarkable record of accomplishment in recent years, 
and deserves recognition as a model for other nations and our thanks 
for its constructive partnership with our nation.
  Taiwan is a model for other nations in two ways especially. First, it 
is living proof that democracy works. Not only were the current leaders 
of Taiwan elected in free and fair elections, but they have not 
flinched from the most difficult moments emerging democracies face: 
turning over offices to others when their own party loses. They have 
not only allowed open competition for office, but have promoted open 
discussion of the full range of issues facing their nation. Despite 
intense pressures, they have insisted that the people of Taiwan have 
the right to determine their nation's future.
  Second, Taiwan is a model of a stable economy. Just two years ago, it 
was grouped with other Asian nations with successful economies. Today, 
it stands virtually alone, while those other nations are in turmoil.
  Unfortunately, however, when Taiwan's example and its assistance 
could be most beneficial to the world community, it continues to be 
isolated from that community. Restoration of its membership in the 
United Nations would end that isolation. It would make sense to invite 
Taiwan to be a full and willing partner in international activities. 
Now more than ever we especially need its economic resources and 
expertise in dealing with today's crises, and I am convinced that its 
Asian neighbors and other developing nations could benefit greatly from 
its counsel.
  I also hope that the leaders of mainland China will have the wisdom 
to learn from Taiwan's example, and to see that democracy works. We 
must also let them know that aggression and coercion, whether implicit 
or explicit, do not work.
  I wish also to take this occasion to congratulate President Lee Teng-
hui on his accomplishments as the Republic's leader, and his success in 
steering his country through difficult economic and political waters. 
As we all know, President Lee is an alumnus of Cornell University in my 
district in Ithaca, New York. The people of Ithaca were delighted to 
have him as a guest, and would all be delighted to see him again.
  Finally, I would like to thank Stephen Chen for his service as 
Taiwan's chief representative in Washington. Those of us who have had 
the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Chen and working with him 
appreciate his service in maintaining and improving the bridge between 
us and his country.

                          ____________________