[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 126 (Friday, September 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1954]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY MARKS THE TRIUMPH OF DEMOCRACY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 24, 1999

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my 
congratulations to the people of Taiwan on the occasion of their 
forthcoming 88th National Day. The people of Taiwan on October 10, 1999 
will commemorate the anniversary of the 1911 revolution in China, which 
marks the ousting of the last imperial dynasty and beginnings of the 
Republic of China under the leadership of Dr. Sun Yat-sen.
  As we celebrate the 88th anniversary of the Republic of China's 
triumph as a democratically free and economically prosperous nation 
state, it is becoming of us to pay tribute to leadership and heroic 
efforts of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The courage and determination of the 
Chinese people in Taiwan, to act as architects of their own ambitions 
and choose their own destiny, serves as a profound inspiration to the 
freedom-loving people around the world. The success of the Chinese 
people stands strong as a model for emerging nations in Asia and the 
Pacific Rim.
  Let this be a celebration of the outstanding successes people can 
achieve when they are free to exercise their rights, when they can 
aspire to greater heights, which they can pursue what they desire for 
themselves, their families and their nation. As the delegate from Guam, 
I recognize the fact that the island and people I represent share deep 
cultural and historical ties with Taiwan. As the closest American 
community to Taiwan, we, the people of Guam, feel especially proud of 
our relationship and wish them all the best on their celebration of 
National Day. The strong ties between the Taiwanese people and the 
people of Guam are longstanding. Whether as visitors or as new 
neighbors, the historical, economic and cultural traditions that exist 
between our peoples have cultivated a unique relationship. Toward that 
end, I would like to take this opportunity to honor the work of the 
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Guam under the Director General 
Leo Chenjan Lee. Through his capable hands, the Taiwan-Guam 
relationship is sure to yield even greater fruit and blossom ever 
brighter in the future. Let us, as a Nation, reaffirm our support as a 
vital trading partner and as a partner in democracy with Taiwan.
  Mr. Speaker, I offer my most profound congratulations to Taiwan and 
President Lee Teng Hui on their celebration of National Day and on 
their continuous economic and democratic successes. It is altogether 
proper and fitting that we extend our prayers and remembrances, on 
behalf of the people of Guam, to all those who perished in the recent 
earthquake in Taiwan. May both the people of Guam and Taiwan continue 
to draw inspiration from one another and prosper long into the next 
millennium.

                          ____________________