[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H1430-H1435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN FOR SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS AND REAFFIRMING UNITED STATES POLICY TOWARD
TAIWAN AND PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res 292) congratulating the people of
Taiwan for the successful conclusion of presidential elections on March
18, 2000, and reaffirming United States policy toward Taiwan and the
People's Republic of China, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 292
Whereas section 2(c) of the Taiwan Relations Act (Public
Law 96-8) states ``[t]he preservation and enhancement of the
human rights of all the people on Taiwan'' to be an objective
of the United States;
Whereas Taiwan has become a multiparty democracy in which
all citizens have the right to participate freely in the
political process;
Whereas the people of Taiwan have, by their vigorous
participation in electoral campaigns and public debate,
strengthened the foundations of a free and democratic way of
life;
Whereas Taiwan successfully conducted a presidential
election on March 18, 2000;
Whereas President Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan has actively
supported the consolidation of democratic institutions and
processes in Taiwan since 1988 when he became head of state;
Whereas this election represents the first such transition
of national office from one elected leader to another in the
history of Chinese societies;
Whereas the continued democratic development of Taiwan is a
matter of fundamental importance to the advancement of United
States interests in East Asia and is supported by the United
States Congress and the American people;
Whereas a stable and peaceful security environment in East
Asia is essential to the furtherance of democratic
developments in Taiwan and other countries, as well as to the
protection of human rights throughout the region;
Whereas since 1972 United States policy toward the People's
Republic of China has been predicated upon, as stated in
section 2(b)(3) of the Taiwan Relations Act, ``the
expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by
peaceful means'';
Whereas section 2(b)(6) of the Taiwan Relations Act further
pledges ``to maintain the capacity of the United States to
resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that
would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic
system, of the people of Taiwan'';
Whereas on June 9, 1998, the House of Representatives voted
unanimously to adopt House Concurrent Resolution 270 that
called upon the President of the United States to seek ``a
public renunciation by the People's Republic of China of any
use of force, or threat to use force, against democratic
Taiwan'';
Whereas the People's Republic of China has consistently
refused to renounce the use of force against Taiwan;
Whereas the State Council, an official organ at the highest
level of the Government of the People's Republic of China,
issued a ``white paper'' on February 21, 2000, which
threatened ``to adopt all drastic measures possible,
including the use of force,'' if Taiwan indefinitely delays
entering into negotiations with the People's Republic of
China on the issue of reunification; and
Whereas the February 21, 2000, statement by the State
Council significantly escalates tensions across the Taiwan
Straits and sets forth a new condition that has not
heretofore been stated regarding the conditions that would
prompt the People's Republic of China to use force against
Taiwan: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That--
(1) the people of Taiwan are to be congratulated for the
successful conclusion of presidential elections on March 18,
2000, and for their continuing efforts in developing and
sustaining a free, democratic society which respects human
rights and embraces free markets;
(2) President Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan is to be congratulated
for his significant contributions to freedom and democracy on
Taiwan;
(3) President-elect Chen Shui-bian and Vice President-elect
Annette Hsiu-lien Lu of Taiwan are to be congratulated for
their victory, and they have the strong support and best
wishes of the House of Representatives and the American
people for a successful administration;
(4) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that
the People's Republic of China should abandon its provocative
threats against Taiwan and undertake steps that would lead to
a substantive dialogue, including a renunciation of the use
of force against Taiwan and progress toward democracy, the
rule of law, and protection of human and religious rights in
the People's Republic of China; and
(5) the provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law
96-8) are hereby affirmed as the legal standard by which
United States policy toward Taiwan shall be determined.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) each will
control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), the distinguished majority leader who
has taken a great deal of time in focusing attention on the Taiwan
problem.
Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr.
Gilman) for yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, the House today is commemorating a very, very special
event: The first democratic election leading to a transfer of power in
the 5,000-year history of the Chinese people.
This is, indeed, a momentous event not only for the Chinese, not only
for Taiwan, but for the cause of democracy itself. It was not that long
ago, Mr. Speaker, that many people believed that democracy may be a
dying creed. I remember as recently as 1984, one French philosopher
respected by some friends of mine wrote that the era of democracy may
be, and I quote, ``a brief parenthesis that is even now closing before
our eyes.''
There was a popular view, shared by conservative pessimists as well
as left-wing revolutionaries, that some form of dictatorship was the
only alternative to even worse forms of government.
At best, these people believed that democracy was only appropriate
for some cultures, but not for most. Though they rarely said so, what
they really meant was that it was only suited for some kinds of people
and not for others. Certainly, not for Asians who, it was said, had
unique ``Asian values.'' That made democracy unsuited for them and they
unsuited for democracy.
Well, Mr. Speaker, how wrong they were. The Taiwan elections
vindicate once again the great wisdom of the American founding fathers
when they wrote these wonderful words that ``All men are created
equal'' and all men ``are endowed by their Creator with certain
inalienable rights.''
Mr. Speaker, freedom and democracy are not more precious for our
culture than they are for the people of other cultures. There are no
alien values that lead some people to prefer dictatorship over self-
government. Freedom and democracy are, in fact, the shared aspirations
of all human beings everywhere, from Athens to England to America
indeed to all of Asia.
Taiwan can now serve as a shining example to the unfree people in its
part of the world. It shows that democracy works in a Chinese culture.
It shows that democracy can resist threats and bullying from abroad. It
shows that democracy is the only way that a Nation can be both rich and
free.
Mr. Speaker, let me add that even as we rejoice in Taiwan's
democratic success, we also wish to aid all the Chinese people as they
seek greater freedom, and that includes those in the People's Republic
of China. It is for this reason
[[Page H1431]]
we are doing everything possible to pass Permanent Normal Trade
Relations for China. We know that free and open trade will help make
China an open and free society. We will pass PNTR, and we will do it
this year.
Mr. Speaker, the House today is pleased to offer our heartfelt
congratulations to the people of Taiwan and to their new president and
vice president-elect. All the world should know that the people of
Taiwan and their democratic government enjoy the friendship,
admiration, and support of the government of the United States.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to
thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) the distinguished majority
leader, for his supportive remarks with regard to this resolution.
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, the election of the Democratic Progressive Party's Chen
Shui-bian and Annette Lu is truly an historic event with profound and
moving implications for Taiwan's people. The race was more than a race
between and among candidates. It was a race between the people of
Taiwan and the Beijing leadership.
Despite Beijing's protests, despite even its threats, this election
signified the long-standing commitment of Taiwan to democratic ideals.
I would like to extend my congratulations to the people of Taiwan in
their success in conducting a free and a fair election.
On March 15, only three days before the election, the premier of the
People's Republic of China, Zhu Rongji, held a news conference which
intensified China's threats of violence if Taiwan were to elect a pro-
independence candidate and move away from the People's Republic of
China ``one China'' policy. This act was only the latest demonstration
of China's attempts to corrupt the Taiwanese democratic process. But as
a sign of desire for political change and faith in democracy, the
voters of Taiwan overcame any fears of foreign threats and elected a
candidate they felt would best lead Taiwan into the 21st century.
I applaud President-elect Chen's immediate overtures to improve the
situation with China. Already he has invited President Jiang Zemin to
visit Taiwan, and he has suggested abolishing Taiwan's ban on direct
trade with China.
Beijing must now also exercise restraint and start accepting the
reality that there are two sovereign countries facing the Taiwan
Strait.
Mr. Speaker, the U.S. should support the strides Taiwan's new
leadership is making toward establishing a peaceful Taiwan and toward
making it absolutely clear that the issues between China and Taiwan
must be resolved peacefully and must be resolved with the assent of the
people of Taiwan.
I had the pleasure last April in my office of meeting now President-
elect Chen. He is a man of great ability and representative in many
ways of modern Taiwan. I am confident his administration will provide
the necessary leadership in these difficult and sensitive times for his
country.
I look forward to working with him, as I am sure all of us in this
body do, in improving relations between the United States and the
Republic of Taiwan.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from San Dimas, California (Mr. Dreier), the distinguished
chairman of the Committee on Rules.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the gentleman from New York
(Mr. Gilman) on this resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 292, and
thank him for his leadership on this important issue and his vigorous
pursuit of freedom over the many years he has been serving in the
Congress. I also thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) for his
support of the resolution.
Mr. Speaker, it is all designed to congratulate the people of Taiwan
for the very successful election that they realized a week ago last
Saturday. What is important to note, Mr. Speaker, is that this ground-
breaking election marks the first transition from one political party
to another in the 5,000-year history of the Chinese civilization. Let
me say that again. This election that we have just observed marks the
first transition from one political party to another in the 5,000-year
history of Chinese civilization. That is an extraordinary
accomplishment.
In fact, it is important to note that this largely peaceful
transition that we have observed over the last decade and a half from
an authoritarian regime, to what we have now witnessed as full
democracy and a transition from one political party to another, is one
of the greatest victories of the 20th century when it comes to our
vigorous pursuit of political pluralism worldwide. One which I think it
is important to note goes hand in hand with the very important economic
reforms and ties that the United States of America has had with Taiwan.
{time} 1530
It does go hand-in-hand. And I think that we all know that the very
vigorous public debate that was spawned by competitive elections has
played a role in strengthening the foundations for a free and
democratic way of life. And we are witnessing that right now on Taiwan.
The recent election of President-elect Chen sends, I believe, a very
strong and positive message that democracy works in China. It works in
Asia. It works in a Chinese society. We all hope very much that it will
be able to expand on to the mainland.
Mr. Speaker, without a doubt, there are many very, very tough
domestic challenges that President-elect Chen will be facing as he
takes over the reins in Taiwan. However, it is key to recognize that
one of his very first public statements came in an interview that he
did with my hometown newspaper, the Los Angeles Times, I do not call it
the Chicago Tribune yet; but it is the Los Angeles Times, where he did
a very, very important interview stating that he strongly supports
mainland China's accession to the World Trade Organization, which,
obviously, as we all know, is the global, rules-based trading system,
which would allow for the elimination of tariff barriers so that the
rest of the world can gain access to the 1.3 billion consumers in
China.
We know that following China's accession to the World Trade
Organization, we will see Taiwan immediately join the WTO. And the
People's Republic of China has supported that.
It is important to note that immediately following his election,
President-elect Chen said that he strongly supported the idea of China
acceding to the WTO. He recognizes that the economic fates of both
Taiwan and mainland China are inextricably tied. In fact, not many
people are aware of the fact there are nearly 46,000 businesses on
mainland China that are owned by Taiwanese.
In fact, the single largest supplier of foreign direct investment to
mainland China happens to be the island of 22 million people of Taiwan.
The commercial relations with its cross-strait neighbor are vital to
the continued prosperity of mainland China and of Taiwan.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am certain that this House is united behind
the principle that the future of Taiwan be determined in a manner that
is both peaceful and mutually agreeable to the people on both sides of
the Taiwan Strait.
We as a Nation stand firmly behind the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.
Military action, threatened or actual, is clearly the wrong way to
proceed. And I believe that this election sends a strong signal that we
can and, in fact, see improved relations there.
I congratulate President Chen for the strong steps that he has taken
to bring the temperature down and to work towards what we hope will be
peaceful association there.
I thank my friend for yielding me the time. Again, I appreciate his
strong leadership on this very important issue.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from
California (Chairman Dreier) for his strong supportive remarks with
regard to the People's Republic of China.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield as much time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), the
distinguished chairman of our subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me
[[Page H1432]]
the time. I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 292,
the resolution introduced by the distinguished majority leader, Mr.
Armey, which congratulates the people of Taiwan and Taiwan's leaders
for the successful conclusion of their presidential election on March
18.
Indeed, this election represents, as the majority leader and the
Committee on Rules chairman just indicated, the first such democratic
transition to high national office, one elected leader to another, in
the very long history of Chinese society. That fact bears repeating.
The people of Taiwan are to be congratulated for their continuing
efforts in developing and sustaining a free democratic society which
respects human rights and embraces free markets.
Contrary to the claims of those trying to defend Communism and other
authoritarian forms of government, this election demonstrates that
democracy clearly could work in the People's Republic of China, and it
explains the reason why the Chinese people increasingly yearn for
democracy and could flourish under it.
The success of democracy in Taiwan is, indeed, a powerful model for
the mainland. This resolution, which was expeditiously considered last
week without opposition in the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific,
which this Member chairs, and subsequently in the full Committee on
International Relations, also acknowledges that a stable and peaceful
security environment in East Asia is essential to the furtherance of
democratic developments in the Taiwan area and in other countries. It
reaffirms U.S. policy regarding Taiwan as set forth in the Taiwan
Relations Act.
In this regard, the resolution appropriately, this Member believes,
expresses the sense of Congress that the People's Republic of China
should refrain from making provocative threats against Taiwan and
should instead undertake steps that would lead to substantive dialogue,
including a renunciation of the use of force against Taiwan, the
encouragement of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of
human and religious rights in the People's Republic of China.
Mr. Speaker, this Member is encouraged that since the election in
Taiwan, Beijing has curtailed, to a certain degree, its aggressive and
unhelpful rhetoric and appears again, to a certain degree, to be
extending the offer for a renewed dialogue.
It is hoped that this is an offer which is offered in, in fact, good
faith. Across the Taiwan Strait, President-elect Chen and others in
Taipei are also calling for renewed dialogue and are already proposing
the kind of responsible statesman-like policies that could expand and
accelerate this dialogue.
Mr. Speaker, this is a timely, necessary, and straightforwardly
positive resolution that sends an important message to both Beijing and
Taipei. As a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 292, this Member urges his
colleagues to support the resolution.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Nebreska (Mr.
Bereuter) for his supportive remarks.
Mr. Speaker, how much time do we have remaining?
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Petri). The gentleman from New York has
8 minutes remaining.
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, but I
reserve the balance of my time.
General Leave
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on H. Con. Res. 292.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of House
Concurrent Resolution 292, introduced in the House by the distinguished
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), the majority leader, who has taken an
active role in our international affairs.
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the people of Taiwan
on a successful election and for taking another step in consolidating
their democratic evolution. They should be very proud of their
achievement, registering a voter turnout of over 80 percent. They have
clearly articulated their determination to build a society of freedom
and of democracy.
On May 20 of this year, for the first time in Taiwan's history of
over 400 years, the mantle of executive power will pass from one
democratically elected president to another. This should serve as a
source of pride for the Chinese people everywhere.
This peaceful transfer of power will take place despite the misguided
attempts by the government of Beijing to intimidate Taiwan's voters and
candidates and influence the outcome of their democratic election.
The new government of Chen Shui-Bian faces many challenges as it
ascends to office. We look forward to learning more of his vision for
his administration.
I want to commend the President-elect for his proposal of embarking
on a journey of reconciliation with Beijing and his offer to meet with
the Chinese leaders. Talks between Taipei and Beijing should only go
forward at a pace and scope that is acceptable to both parties.
I want to encourage the PRC to exercise restraint, to avoid fanning
the flames of nationalism over Taiwan in an effort to divert attention
from their own internal problems, and to open substantive dialogue with
Taipei, and to end its history of military threats toward that island.
As has long been American policy, it is essential that the future of
Taiwan be determined in a peaceful and non-coercive and mutually
agreeable manner to the people on both sides of the strait.
We hope the world will take adequate notice of what has transpired in
Taiwan; that being that another Asian nation has fully embraced
democratic principles and practices. This further proves that democracy
is not an Eastern or a Western value as some might contend, but it is a
universal value of the right of people everywhere.
I especially hope that the 1.2 billion people of the PRC and their
unelected government take particular notice of the prosperous, free,
and open model Taiwan provides for China's future.
With the new government comes new opportunities. Accordingly, I call
upon our administration to work productively with the new government
and treat President-elect Chen as an equal partner in addressing the
cross-strait issues.
I also urge our administration to adhere to the ``Reagan Six
Assurances.'' As my colleagues may recall, in July of 1982, the Reagan
administration wisely promised Taipei that it would not: one, set a
date for the ending of arms sales to Taiwan; two, consult with China on
arms sales; three, play a mediation role between PRC and Taiwan; four,
revise the Taiwan Relations Act; five, change its position regarding
sovereignty over Taiwan; and, six, exert pressure on Taipei to enter
into negotiations with Beijing.
Regrettably, those ``Six Assurances'' have been set aside in part, or
completely ignored, by the present administration. These common sense
guarantees are a solid basis for American Taiwan policy and should be
reinstitutionalized as guideposts of the conduct of bilateral relations
with Taipei and with Beijing.
I recommend strongly that our administration take no action to delay
or undermine this year's arms sales talks with Taiwan. The talks should
be concluded as scheduled on April 24, and Taiwan's legitimate defense
needs should be met in light of China's continuing military build-up.
Despite protestations by some to the contrary, China is, in fact,
precipitating an arms race in Asia and is working towards achieving
military superiority over Taiwan and the ability to influence that
island's future through coercion, an action in direct contravention to
long-standing American policy and U.S.-Sino communiques.
We can be assured that Beijing will move at some point in the future
to test the mettle of the new Taipei government. China is biding its
time for the moment while a Permanent Normal Trade Relations hangs in
the balance in the Congress.
[[Page H1433]]
But once that issue is addressed and a new Taiwanese administration
is inaugurated, China may opt to act militarily in some fashion against
Taiwan. Such a misguided policy of restricting arms sales by the
Clinton administration to Taiwan now will only serve to increase the
likelihood of Chinese adventurism, miscalculation, and military
confrontation over Taiwan's future.
Any equivocating on this year's arms sales process will send the
wrong signal at the wrong time to both China and to Taiwan. Instead of
eclipsing a crisis through strength and deterrence, the administration
may be in fact fomenting a crisis in the Taiwan Strait through weakness
and through indecision.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a cosponsor of this
legislation. I want to thank the majority leader for his good work in
bringing it to the floor.
Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to strongly support this measure.
I congratulate the people of Taiwan once again on a free and fair
election.
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H. Con.
Res. 292--Congratulating the people of Taiwan on their successful
presidential elections on March 18. This election serves as a testament
to their continuing efforts in sustaining a free society that respects
democracy and human rights.
The people of Taiwan deserve our praise and support for conducting
this election. They showed that true democracy can be successful even
in the face of military threats by the Chinese government. This
election is a reminder that the threat of a military attack will not be
successful in a political system where the people can exercise the
right to determine their own future. The people of Taiwan have taken
great risks in sticking to their principles.
The second free election in Taiwan represents a coming of age for
this maturing democracy. This is the first time in 50 years that the
Nationalist Party (KMT) will have to give up its political power. The
peaceful transfer of power is a key turning point for every successful
democracy.
In particular, I would like to congratulate the new President of
Taiwan, Mr. Chen Shui-bian. Mr. Chen was born in rural Taiwan about the
time of the Chinese Communist Revolution. Since then, Mr. Chen has been
an outspoken advocate for human rights and has served as a successful
mayor of Taipei in recent years.
Over the course of his campaign, Mr. Chen has shown prudence in
handling the China issue. In his victory speech, he promised to
continue economic relations with mainland China and seek a ``permanent
peace.'' It is my hope that China and Taiwan will continue to negotiate
their differences in a peaceful manner. I would also like to commend
Vice-President elect Annette Liu who has advocated for democratic
reform in Taiwan on her visits to Washington, D.C.
This election proves that the Chinese people, like people all over
the world, will choose freedom and democracy when given the
opportunity. By contrast, the Chinese government continues to escalate
the repression and human rights of its own people--despite the thriving
democracy across the strait. The Taiwan elections should serve as an
example that the only real hope of eventual reunification rests in the
possibility of true freedom and democracy in China.
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, today with H. Con. Res. 292 Congress bestows
well-deserved congratulations upon the people of Taiwan for the
successful conclusion of presidential elections on March 18, 2000, and
for their continuing efforts to develop and sustain a free republic
that respects individual rights and embraces free markets. President
Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan should also be praised for his significant
contributions to freedom in Taiwan.
Unfortunately, because the bill pronounces the Taiwan Relations Act
(P.L. 96-8) as the legal standard by which U.S. policy toward Taiwan is
governed, I cannot support the measure. This Taiwan Relations Act,
effectuated a United States policy which recognized an attack against
Taiwan as inimical to an attack on the United States.
Just as it is wrong to force our preferences on other countries and
cultures, it is wrong to dictate politics. The United States has
absolutely no moral or constitutional right to do so. In fact, action
of that sort could rightfully be considered an act of aggression on our
part, and our founding fathers made it very, very clear that war should
be contemplated only when national security is immediately threatened.
to play the part of policemen of the world degrades all who seek to
follow the Constitution. The Constitution does not allow our government
to participate in actions against a foreign country when there is no
immediate threat to the United States.
Sadly, the U.S. has in recent years played the role of world
interventionist and global policeman. Thomas Jefferson stated in his
first inaugural address: ``Peace, commerce and honest friendship with
all nations--entangling alliances with none, I deem [one of] the
essential principles of our government, and consequently [one of] those
which ought to shape its administration.'' Instead, the U.S. government
has become the government force that unconstitutionally subsidizes one
country and then pledges taxpayer dollars and lives to fight on behalf
of that subsidized country' enemies. It's the same sort of wisdom that
would subsidize tobacco farmers and pay the health care costs of those
who then choose to smoke.
Each year the people of the United States write a check to subsidize
China, one of the most brutal, anti-American regimes in the world. It
has been in vogue of late for everyone in Washington, it seems, to
eagerly denounce the egregious abuses of the Chinese people at the
hands of the communist dictators. Yet no one in our federal government
has been willing to take China on in any meaningful way. Very few
people realize that China is one of the biggest beneficiaries of
American subsidization. Thanks to the largesse of this Congress, China
enjoys the flow of U.S. taxpayers cash into Beijing's coffers. Yet,
today we are asked to pledge support for Taiwan when we could best
demonstrate support for Taiwan by terminating subsidies to that
country's enemies.
Again, my congratulations to the Taiwanese on their continuing
efforts to develop and sustain a free republic that respects individual
rights and embraces free markets and to President Lee Teng-hui for his
contributions to that end.
Mr. LARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con.
Res. 292 to congratulate the people of Taiwan on the successful
presidential elections on March 18th and for their continuing efforts
in developing and sustaining a democratic society which embraces free
markets and respects human rights. I am a proud co-sponsor of this bill
and encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of it.
I believe that the freedom of Taiwan's 22 million Chinese people to
participate in the competitive election of their president is surely a
reason for Congress to pass this resolution in celebration of
democracy. The bill congratulates Taiwan's current President Lee Teng-
hui, Taiwan's ``Father of Democracy,'' who presided over Taiwan's twin
miracles of economic development and political reform. It also
congratulates Taiwan's President-elect, Chen Shui-bian, and Vice
President-elect, Annette Hsiu-lien Lu, on their election, which ended a
half-century of one-party rule there.
I have followed these historic events in Taiwan closely and with
interest. I have also been assisted in understanding these issues by
the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office here in
Washington. This Office, and the very capable Benson Wang in
particular, have provided me and my staff with straight-forward
information on Taiwan and events there, which I appreciate greatly. I
am hopeful that the companion measure we will vote on today, to
authorize $75 million to upgrade the American Institute in Taiwan's
facilities in Taipei, will allow the U.S. to have the same high quality
of representation in that country.
This peaceful transfer of power brings Taiwan to the forefront of
democratic nations in Asia, and provides a shining example of freedom
for mainland China and other nations in the region to follow. This free
election took place despite Beijing's clumsy and counter-productive
attempts to intimidate President-elect Chen and his supporters. Perhaps
the government in Beijing is more concerned that this election will
result in further democracy movements in China than they are about the
possibility of Taiwan's independence. This is why I especially support
this measure's provisions to encourage China to make progress toward
democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human and religious
rights.
Mr. Speaker, let me conclude by saying that I believe that it is
important for the United States to salute and support Taiwan's
democracy, and I therefore urge my colleagues to join me in voting for
this resolution. Thank you.
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 292
and to congratulate the people of Taiwan on their successful
presidential elections on March 18, 2000.
The election results impressively demonstrate the strength and
vitality of Taiwan's democracy. I strongly support the right of the
people of Taiwan to decide their own political future.
The victory for president-elect Chen Shui-bian, the candidate of the
Democratic Progressive Party, and vice-president-elect, Annette Lu, a
pioneering feminist and former political prisoner, symbolize the
beginning of a new era in Taiwanese politics after 51 years of rule by
the Nationalist Party.
The development of Taiwan from authoritarian rule to a vibrant
democracy during only two decades has been truly inspiring. The
[[Page H1434]]
pace of political reform accelerated in the middle and late 1980s.
Martial law was ended in July 1987 and in 1992, for the first time in
Taiwanese history, a new parliament was elected.
In its second direct presidential election almost 83 percent of
Taiwanese voters cast their ballots--an impressive turn-out that
underlines the great support among the population for the democratic
process.
I commend the people of Taiwan for this peaceful transition and their
commitment to democratic values and ideas. The consistent growth of the
Taiwanese economy is closely related to the success of Taiwanese
democracy.
I firmly believe that a democratic Taiwan is the best guarantee for
prosperity, peace and security in the region.
Taiwan has been a valued and reliable partner to the United States
during the previous decades and I am sure this constructive
relationship will continue, after president-elect Chen Shui-bian takes
office.
Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the
resolution offered by the Majority Leader, Mr. Armey, and am proud to
be an original cosponsor.
The people of Taiwan should be commended for their brave and
inspiring show of courage in support of democratic values.
The people of Taiwan stood in the face of tremendous intimidation and
constant threats from the tyrants in Communist China, and they refused
to back down. About 80 percent of the people went to the polls to
exercise the most sacred of democratic freedoms--the right of citizens
to choose their own leaders. Mr. Speaker, that is the essence of
democracy.
Undoubtedly, this new administration in Taiwan will face many
challenges. For the first time, Taiwan will experience a peaceful
transition of executive power. This transition will not be easy, but
the peaceful passing of power is at the core of democracy. The United
States must support this transition in every way possible.
This expression of freedom should not serve as a threat to Beijing,
but as an inspiration. Hopefully, the day will soon come when the
people of communist China, for so long fettered by the chains of
communism and tyranny, will be able to determine their own destiny
through free and fair elections.
Until that time, it should be clear that the United States is firm in
its commitment to Taiwan, and I urge the Administration to use this
occasion to signal to the world that we will stand by and support our
democratic allies. In the meantime, Taiwan should meet future threats
by Beijing with the same strength and determination that guided this
most recent election.
Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution.
I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) for bringing this
important resolution to the floor in such a timely manner.
I want to congratulate Taiwan on its recent free and fair elections.
In a region of the world where democracy is not widely accepted, it is
important that milestones like the elections of March 18th do not go
unrecognized. Despite threats from Beijing, the Taiwanese set
themselves apart from their neighbors by going to the polls and voting
for the candidate who they wanted to be their leader. It is welcoming
to see that there are peoples around the world who do not succumb to
threats and pressure and instead exercise their guaranteed rights. Also
the record number of the eligible voters who went to the polls, 82.7
percent, is very encouraging.
Taiwan has proven itself to be one of the true democracies in a
region surrounded by dictators, military regimes, and human rights
abusers. The United States must do everything within its power to stand
behind these defenders of democracy and human rights around the world.
President Lee Teng-hui is to be commended for leading his country
during a tenuous time. When he took office in 1988 martial law in
Taiwan had just ended. He successfully built a strong foundation on
which democracy and freedom has flourished. On May 20th of this year,
the first peaceful transfer of power to a popularly elected opposition
leader by Chinese anywhere will take place. President Lee Teng-hui of
the Nationalist Party will turn the presidency over to the recently
elected Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party. For the
first time in half a century, all of Taiwan's history, the governing
party will change.
I wish to convey congratulations to President-elect Chen Shui-bian
and Vice-President-elect Annette Hsiu-lien Lu. Leading Taiwan into the
next century, and being at the helm during the first changing of a
political party in Taiwan's history, will be a great challenge.
However, I am confident that with the support of the Taiwanese people
and the continued support of the international community, Taiwan will
continue to be a pillar in the region for democracy and freedom.
Again, I congratulate Taiwan. I hope and believe that Taiwan can be a
window into the future of Asia. A future where everyone is free--free
from abuse, free to speak, free to practice the religion of choice and
free to vote. A free, stable and prosperous Taiwan serves as a positive
example in a region where none of these qualities are widely accepted.
Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this
opportunity to join my colleagues in congratulating President-elect
Chen Shui-bian and Vice President-elect Annette Lu of Taiwan on their
impressive victory. The election results are testament to the strength
of Taiwan's democracy, which has witnessed the peaceful transition of
power from the Nationalist Party that ruled China for 50 years.
The election results are also a testament to the courage and
independence of the people of Taiwan, who refused to be intimidated by
the increasingly bellicose threats from China on the eve of the
election.
I commend President-elect Chen Shui-bian for his constructive and
positive statements on relations with China since his election. His
sensitivity and statesmanship will be critical to lowering the level of
tension between China and Taiwan.
I am especially delighted at Vice President-elect Annette Lu's
election. She will be the highest-ranking female government official in
Taiwan's history! Her new position and her impressive accomplishments
as an advocate for women, human rights, and democracy make her an
exciting leader to watch.
Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the House, particularly
Chairman Ben Gilman and Ranking Member Sam Gejdenson, for bringing this
important resolution to the floor.
I join all in this Congress in congratulating the Republic of China
for the success of their recent elections. A successful election is one
which is fair to all and whose results are respected by everyone. In
fact, in a democracy, the most important election is the second
election, not the first. The second election is the truest test of
commitment to democracy. If a nation can watch the peaceful transfer of
power from one party to another, their journey as a democracy is indeed
on solid ground.
President-elect Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party
won the presidential election, replacing President Lee Teng-hui. The
Far East is a favorite destination of mine when I lead trade
delegations, and I have met and worked with President Lee. He has made
immeasurable contributions to the solid foundation of democracy in
Taiwan, and he will hold a prominent place in Taiwan's history as the
first democratically elected president in Taiwan's history.
While the purpose of today's resolution is to congratulate President-
elect Chen Shui-bian and Vice President-elect Annette Hsiu-lien Lu on
their victory, I am pleased we are also remembering the most important
element of this election: the people of the Republic of China. When a
democracy freely votes, respects human rights and embraces free
markets, they are a democracy among the established democracies of the
world.
The United States is hopeful that Taiwan will make use of its new
power as a growing democracy to lead a substantive dialogue in that
part of the world about democracy, the rule of law, and the protection
of human and religious rights.
Again, I thank the Majority Leader and the International Relations
Committee for bringing this important resolution to the attention of
the House of Representatives.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend the Majority Leader (Mr.
Armey) for the resolution we are considering today which congratulates
President-elect Chen Shuibian and Vice President-elect Annette Lu on
their victory in a free and open and democratic election in Taiwan. I
also want to commend my distinguished colleague and friend from
Nebraska, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia of our International
Relations Committee, Mr. Bereuter, for his leadership on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, Taiwan is one of the great success stories of the post-
World War II era. At the end of the war, Taiwan was a destitute,
primitive, backward society. Today, it is one of the great economic
triumphs of this century--a vibrant, innovative, creative economy, the
18th largest in the world. The strength of Taiwan's economy is
reflected in the fact that it is our nation's 7th largest trading
partner.
Taiwan is also one of the great political success stories of the
twentieth century. During the last two decades, Taiwan had become a
full-fledged democracy. From an American point of view, there is
nothing more desirable than to see an economically under-developed
autocracy become a full functioning, vibrant democracy as we have seen
in Taiwan.
In this regard, Mr. Speaker, the recent election marks another
important milestone in the consolidation of democracy in Taiwan. This
election marks the first peaceful transfer of power from the KMT
(Nationalist) party, which has played the dominant political role in
Taiwan for the past half century, to Mr. Clen, the candidate of the
Democratic Progressive Party. This peaceful change of political power
[[Page H1435]]
is reflection of the maturation of Taiwanese democracy.
I do want to pay tribute to President Lee Teng-hui, the first
democractically elected President in the history of the Chinese people.
He has ably and faithfully served the people of Taiwan during his
tenure as president, and as he steps down now at the completion of his
presidential term, we owe him our thanks for the friendship he has
shown the United States.
I also want to pay tribute to President-elect Chen for the
responsible and thoughtful way which he has approached the difficult
issue of Taiwan's relationship with mainland China. We in the United
States welcome his statesmanship and see it as a further reflection of
the maturity of Taiwan's democracy.
Mr. Speaker, these important changes in Taiwan stand in sharp
contrast with the continuing authoritarian and dictatorial government
which rules the People's Republic of China. I think this resolution we
are considering today needs to be viewed as one that congratulates the
people of Taiwan on having attained a high degree of economic
development and creating a functioning political democracy and starkly
contrasts these positive developments with those in the People's
Republic of China. There is a free press in Taiwan, unlike the PRC.
There are political alternatives in Taiwan, but not in mainland China.
Taiwan also recognizes the desire of its people to function in a free
and democratic fashion, unlike China. In particular Taiwan permits
religious groups freedom of worship. In China, on the other hand, the
practitioners of Falun Gong continue to be persecuted. Those who seek
to practice their faith are prohibited or are limited to officially
recognized and officially organized churches which have more to do with
securing political support for the communist regime than they do with
religious worship. The followers of all faiths--in China, as well as
Taiwan--must have the freedom to practice their religion. The handful
of incredibly courageous individuals in China who have expressed views
contrary to the communist regime must be released.
Mr. Speaker, the resolution we are considering today acknowledges the
outstanding contributions of the Chinese people. I personally have the
highest regard for Chinese civilization and what it has contributed to
the culture of all humankind. It is one of the great tragedies of
history that these wonderful and cultured people are ruled by an
autocratic and dictatorial regime.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting
this resolution, which recognizes the enormous achievements of the
people of Taiwan and holds out great hope for the people of China.
Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the people of Taiwan on
the successful March 18th, 2000 presidential election. Taiwan's
decades-long political transformation and the recent election are
indeed great examples of Taiwan's commitment to a government of the
people, by the people and for the people.
As the first member of the United States Congress born in Taiwan, I
observed with great interest Taiwan's extremely competitive
presidential campaign. The open process is a tribute to the people of
Taiwan, and to the island's real, working democratic process. Taiwan
has indeed achieved democracy under adversity and joined the great
democracies of the world.
Once again, I would like to congratulate the people of Taiwan on
their courage and commitment to forming a more democratic and complete
society. In addition, I would also like to congratulate all the
candidates, especially President-elect Chen Shui-bian and Vice
President-elect Annette Lu, for a very open and competitive campaign. I
wish the Taiwanese people well and hope to work together with all
people in the region for a peaceful and prosperous future.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Petri). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res.
292, as amended.
The question was taken.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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