[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 30 (Thursday, March 16, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TAIWAN'S SECOND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2000

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, on the eve of Taiwan's second presidential 
election there has been much talk about China's use of force against 
Taiwan. I am concerned that the voters of Taiwan may be intimidated in 
this election and their vote may be influenced. We should let the 
electoral process work itself through. The people of Taiwan deserve the 
right to exercise their judgment in this democratic election for one of 
the three candidates.
  While we all agree that there is one China, reunification talks 
between Taiwan and Beijing should be conducted freely and the two sides 
should have equal footing in any negotiations. I urge all involved in 
this process to let the voters in Taiwan elect their new President on 
March 18. After all, peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits are in 
the best interests of everyone.

                          ____________________