President Lee Teng-hui told visiting US House Representatives today that his statement on the "special state-to-state relationship" in his capacity as the Republic of China President is nothing but a presentation of reality, an "undeniable" fact whether from legal, historical, or factual perspective.
"More importantly, as far as the future development of cross-strait relations is concerned, the viewpoint he presented only serves to further clarify and establish that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are standing on parity," President Lee said. "Cross-strait consultation will be of positive significance only when they are conducted on the basis of parity."
The Peking authorities invariably claim that "they are the central government and we are a local one," the President said. "This formulation is not true, and we can never accept it."
He pointed out that the co-existence of the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China is a fact and reality. The ROC not only has existed since its establishment in 1912, but also has achieved a number of world-acclaimed economic and democratic accomplishments over the past 88 years, he added.
Led by Chairman and Mrs. Benjamin Gilman, the delegation of the US House International Relations Committee included Rep. and Mrs. John D. Dingell, Rep. Alcee L. Hastings, Rep. and Mrs. Robert Underwood, Rep. and Mrs. Tom Campbell, and Rep. Robert Ney. Accompanied by David Lee, Deputy Foreign Minister, the delegation met with President Lee at the Presidential Office this morning. Ding Mou-shih, Senior Advisor to the President, Yin Tsung-wen, Secretary-General of the National Security Council, and Lin Bih-jaw, Deputy Secretary-General to the President, were also present.
During the conversation, President Lee particularly indicated that the ROC has been both a long-time ally and a steadfast supporter of the US. Thanks to long-term and full US Congress support, the ROC has managed to overcome many difficulties and setbacks in its pursuit of democracy, freedom and reforms, he said.
The President stated that he has always taken the development of cross-strait relations seriously, adding that "continued cross-strait exchanges and dialogue have consistently been my insistence and stance." Regarding President Clinton's proposal that the two sides of the Strait should resolve their problems by peaceful means and strengthen their exchanges and dialogue, President Lee said, "I fully support President Clinton's viewpoint."