[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    HONORING AMBASSADOR STEPHEN CHEN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2000

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, today I pay homage to an outstanding diplomat 
who is leaving Washington with two years of distinguished service in 
the United States Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Stephen Chen.
  Ambassador Chen has been a wealth of information for me and my staff 
about the intriguing diplomacy of the Pacific Rim. He leaves Washington 
with the satisfaction of having represented the interests of his 
country well while in the United States, and he strengthened the all-
important relationship between the United States and Taiwan.
  Ambassador Chen is a career officer, serving Taiwan's foreign 
ministry for nearly 50 years now. He is the consummate diplomat, with a 
rare gift of persuasion without the appearance of appearing to be 
inflexible. He has charmed many Washington officials, guests and other 
diplomats during his time here with insightful knowledge about trade, 
international relations, and a variety of other topics.
  At Twin Oaks, a historic landmark in central Washington, Ambassador 
Stephen Chen and his lovely wife Rosa have hosted many gatherings. 
Ambassador Chen is always generous in regaling his guests with self-
deprecating jokes, as well as stories about Taiwan and her people. He 
brought all of us closer to Taiwan and to his native culture.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Stephen and Rosa Chen well 
as they retire from the foreign service and return to their beloved 
Taiwan.

                          ____________________