President Lee Teng-hui this morning meets with Mr. Rizalino S. Navarro, the envoy of Philippine President Fidel Ramos, and receives an invitation to attend this year's economic leaders meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference to be held at Subic Bay.
During their meeting, President Lee tells Mr. Navarro that the Republic of China has been very actively participating in APEC activities since it joined the forum as a full member. The Philippines is the host country to hold this year's informal leadership meeting, so the President heartily wish this conference a great success.
President Lee also reiterates that the so-called "one China" refers to the Republic of China and that Beijing's claim that the ROC is a province of the "People's Republic of China" is completely unacceptable. "We hope the Philippines and other countries will understand our stance," he adds.
In the past few years, the President notes, the ROC has assisted the Philippines in establishing the Subic Bay Industrial Zone and encouraged local businessmen to invest there. In addition, this country has also provided many job opportunities for Filipino workers. "With these cooperative ties, it is obvious who is the Philippines' true friend," says the President.
President Lee goes further to say that he hopes all countries and peoples around the world could treat one another with frankness and treasure mutual friendship.
Accompanied by ROC Foreign Minister John H. Chang, Mr. Navarro comes to the Office of the President to present the invitation. Mr. Ding Mou-shih, Secretary-General of the ROC National Security Council, and Mr. Stephen S. F. Chen, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of the President, are also present at the meeting.