TAIWANESE PEACE DAY
                       HON. PETE SESSIONS
                           of TEXAS
                 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
                    Tuesday, February 25, 1997

Mr.  Sessions. Mr.  Speaker, the date February 28, 1947 is etched into
the hearts  and minds of the Taiwanese  people.  It was a day in which
thousands  of Taiwanese  gave their  lives  fighting  for freedom  and
democracy. February 28, 1997, the fiftieth anniversary of this day, is
one that should be honored here in the United States, because we share
with Taiwan a common quest for freedom and democracy.

Fifty  years  ago  to  the  day  on  February  28, 1947, thousands  of
Taiwanese  began the long historic struggle  for a democratic  Taiwan.
Since that time, Taiwan  has made tremendous  political, economic  and
social  progress  toward a democratic  and representative  government.
Taiwan successfully  and peacefully elected their first president by a
direct popular vote in March 1996, despite  China's  missile exercise
threat.

Taiwan's  progress  toward  democratic  rule  is matched  only  by its
extraordinary economic success. Today, Taiwan ranks 6th in trades with
the  great   state   of  Texas.   We  can  attribute   this   economic
accomplishment  to Taiwan*s dedication to the principals  of democracy
and capitalism.

Mr.  Speaker, a democratic  Taiwan  contributes  to the stability  and
prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.  This day, Taiwan Peace Day, is
recognized as an important date in Taiwan's historic evolution to full
democracy.  It should be spent as a day of healing, reconciliation and
unity among Taiwanese  people  all over the world.  I hope we take the
date to recognize  the Taiwanese people and congratulate  them on both
their struggle and their success.