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.

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 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.

 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.

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 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.

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 is reflection of the maturation of Taiwanese democracy.

I do want to pay tribute to President Lee Teng-hui, the first democratically 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.