[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 75 (Monday, May 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1063]]



                          TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 24, 1999

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the twentieth 
anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, I wish to take this 
opportunity to congratulate the Republic of China on Taiwan and its 
people on the progress they have made since that time. Taiwan has 
established itself as a stable political presence in Asia, an important 
economic power, and proof that democracy can work in Asia. At the time 
of its enactment, there were some who believed that this new foundation 
for relations between our countries would not work, that our friendship 
would dissipate, and that Taiwan would be weakened.
  But that has not been the case. If anything, I believe our friendship 
and understanding has strengthened since that time. Taiwan's 
determination not just to set its own course, but to develop and mature 
as a nation has grown. Its economic achievements in that time are 
especially impressive: no other Asian nation was as successful in 
withstanding the recent economic crisis on that continent. But I 
continue to believe that its most impressive achievement has been the 
development of a multi-party democracy, and its readiness to share 
power among its democratic parties.
  I wish to extend my congratulations to President Lee Teng-hu--who 
once resided in my congressional district--on his achievements in 
office, and also to Representative Stephen S. F. Chen on the capable 
job he has done as Taiwan's representative here under the Taiwan 
Relations Act.

                          ____________________