[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATING AMBASSADOR STEPHEN CHEN UPON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2000

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, after serving nearly fifty years 
as a diplomat for his country and his last two years as his country's 
Representative in the United States, Ambassador Stephen Chen will be 
resigning from government service and returning to Taipei. Always 
gracious and diplomatic, Ambassador Chen has impressed everyone with 
his industry, his wit and humor, and his erudition. An expert on 
subjects familiar and arcane, Ambassador Chen is a diplomat's diplomat.
  Even though Ambassador Chen represents a country that has no formal 
ties with the United States, Ambassador Chen, with the very able 
assistance of aide Leonard Chao, has overcome many formidable obstacles 
in maintaining proper contacts with our State Department, and in 
building many friendships on Capitol Hill. When it comes to working for 
his country and his people, Ambassador Chen says with a smile: ``To 
make up our lack of access to executive branches, we must work with our 
friends on the hill. We must help lawmakers see that Taiwan is a full 
democracy, sharing many of the democratic ideals with the United 
States. We must stress to our friends that it is not necessary for the 
United States to sacrifice Taiwan's interests in order for the United 
States to improve its relations with the PRC.'' In my opinion, 
Ambassador Chen has achieved his objectives in Congress. He has made 
numerous friends on the Hill and has convinced many of us that both 
Taiwan and the PRC can be true beneficiaries of a wise U.S. East Asia 
policy.
  Mr. Speaker, Ambassador Chen has earned our respect and genuine 
affection during his tenure in Washington. It has been my privilege to 
know Stephen and his charming wife Rosa and to enjoy their warm 
hospitality at Twin Oaks. I will miss their charm, their wit and their 
graciousness. I send Stephen and Rosa my best wishes for the future.

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