Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Taiwan who have just voted in that country's first truly democratic election. President Lee Teng-hui received over 54 per cent of the votes last Saturday despite the implied warnings made against him by China. For the Taiwanese people this was the first democratic presidential election ever held on the island.
Several weeks ago China began conducting military exercises along the coast of the island of Taiwan in an attempt to influence the outcome of this historic vote. Taiwan has demonstrated great courage and has shown it will not be intimidated by China's military manoeuvres.
Canadians and all others who believe in democracy must support the Taiwanese people as they move forward.