[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 16, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E733]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TAIWAN INAUGURATES A NEW PRESIDENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. EARL F. HILLIARD

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 16, 2000

  Mr. HILLIARD. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Mr. Chen Shui-bian 
who will be inaugurated as the tenth president of the Republic of China 
on May 20th. I am honored to stand before you today in a spirit of 
freedom and change. President-elect Chen Shui-bian's victory on March 
18, 2000, signals a new milestone for Taiwan's history of 
democratization. His Excellency defeated two other formidable 
opponents, and for the first time in Chinese history, an opposition 
party attained real political power from the ruling National Party. 
Taiwan united and is now clearly a model for reform and promise for 
most Asian countries.
  As Taiwan voters collaborate on a brighter future, reevaluating the 
past proves a desirable democratization record which must be commended. 
The United States, and all countries of the free world, should pledge 
open support to President Chen Shui-bian, and encourage meaningful 
discussions of reunification issues in an effort to build better 
relationships with mainland China.
  I congratulate a leader of vision and express my full confidence in 
Taiwan's President-elect Chen Shui-bian and the people of Taiwan.

                          ____________________