'We Must Defend Ourselves.' (Taiwanese Pres Lee Teng-Hui on Relations with China)(Interview)

Parker, Maynard, Newsweek

AS TAIPEI SPRUCED UP FOR NEXT WEEK'S HISTORIC INAUGURATION, PRESIDENT Lee Teng-hui--Taiwan's first democratically elected leader--granted an exclusive interview to a NEWSWEEK team led by Editor Maynard Parker. Ebullient, chatty and combative, Lee met his visitors in Taipei's presidential palace. Speaking in English, and occasionally in Mandarin, Lee outlined a tough strategy toward mainland China, though he seemed surprisingly ready to cooperate with his Beijing counterpart, President Jiang Zemin. He also spoke of his personal philosophy, rejecting the idea that democracy is inherently un-Asian. Excerpts:

NEWSWEEK: Chinese leaders will pay close attention to your inaugural speech on May 20. What will they hear?

LEE: I can't say too much. One thing I can say: I declare that freedom and democracy are the most important things for the Republic of China on Taiwan--and how to defend that freedom and democracy.

If China's President Jiang Zemin were sitting here, what would you say to him?

Take it easy. Don't be in a hurry. The Chinese question should be …

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Publication information: Article title: 'We Must Defend Ourselves.' (Taiwanese Pres Lee Teng-Hui on Relations with China)(Interview). Contributors: Parker, Maynard - Author. Magazine title: Newsweek. Volume: 127. Issue: 21 Publication date: May 20, 1996. Page number: 38+. © 2009 Newsweek, Inc. All rights reserved. Any reuse, distribution or alteration without express written permission of Newsweek is prohibited. For permission: www.newsweek.com. COPYRIGHT 1996 Gale Group.

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