Taipei, Aug. 16 (CNA) Republic of China President Lee Teng-hui on Monday received a group of US congressmen at the Presidential Office and reaffirmed his "special state-state relationship" regarding ties between Taiwan and mainland China.
Speaking to the delegation of the House Military Affairs Subcommittee jointly led by Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Solomon P. Ortiz (D-Texas), Lee stressed the importance of clarifying that the relationship between Taiwan and the mainland should be on an equal footing so as to ensure the rights and interests of the ROC and its people.
He went on to say that the ROC's mainland policy remains unchanged.
The president pointed out that the Beijing regime has been stressing it's so-called "one country, two systems" formula which treats the ROC as a local government. Beijing's assertion not only contravenes the facts, it also fully exposes the mainland's hegemonic attitude, he said.
Lee told his guests that President Bill Clinton's China policy -- peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and dialogue between Taiwan and mainland China -- has gained the support of the ROC.
He said that the government and people of the ROC are grateful for the help and assistance of the United States, especially that provided by the US Congress.
Speaking on the country's economic development, Lee told his visitors that many people believe that the mainland has a tremendous population representing a vast market. However, they neglect one point -- purchasing power. Citing as an example the fact that Taiwan imports 1.5 times the amount of American-produced products as mainland China, he said this indicate the ROC's economic and trade power and potential.
Graham and Ortiz both said they comprehend and support Lee's explanation.
Graham stressed that liberty and democracy cannot be compatible with the communist system, and that Beijing's "one country, two systems" proposal is doomed to failure.