President Lee Teng-hui this morning tells a visiting US Congress delegation, led by Representative Curt Weldon, chairman of the Military Research and Development Subcommittee, Committee for National Security, that China's reunification should be achieved only by peaceful means, but that it is regrettable so far Beijing still refuses to renounce the use of force against Taiwan.
President Lee reiterates that the ROC needs advanced weapons which are by no means for the purpose of attack but for strengthening her national defense. "The ROC's further development heavily depends on maintaining national security and social stability," he adds.
Expressing the ROC's gratitude for long-lasting US assistance, especially for the active support of the US Congress, President Lee points out that the ROC and the US, in spite of lacking diplomatic ties at the present time, have kept a longtime friendship, and that mutual exchanges between the two countries have also been increasing. He reassures that ROC will stay in the democratic camp and remain one of Washington's staunch friends.
The US congressional delegation is on a three-day visit to Taipei to gain a better understanding of the ROC and her national defense. The members of the group are all deeply impressed by the the Taiwan society's vitality released after the democratic reform, and praise the outstanding leadership of President Lee.
Accompanied by ROC Vice Foreign Minister C. J. Chen and Director Darryl Johnson of AIT's Taipei Office, Rep. Weldon and his delegation, including Mrs. Weldon, Rep. Michael McNulty, Rep. John McHugh, Rep. Jon Fox and their staff, come to the Office of the President for the meeting. Also present are Dr. Ding Mou-shih, secretary-general of the ROC National Security Council, and Mr. Stephen S. F. Chen, deputy secretary-general to the President.