President Lee Teng-hui’s private visit to Cornell University triggered the most serious Taiwan Strait crisis since the 1950s, with China conducting massive military exercises and missile tests.
The Cornell Speech
Lee’s address to his alma mater carried significant political weight:
“Taiwan has created an economic miracle and is now completing its democratic transformation. We seek international recognition of our achievements.”
China’s Furious Response
Beijing reacted with unprecedented military demonstration:
US Position
Washington found itself caught between competing pressures:
- Congressional support for Taiwan’s democratization
- Beijing’s threats of military action
- Regional stability concerns
- Alliance credibility issues
The crisis demonstrated Taiwan’s growing international confidence while highlighting the risks of cross-strait escalation in the post-Cold War era.