[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 124 (Friday, October 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     REPUBLIC OF CHINA NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 6, 2000

  Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, our long time ally and close 
friend, the Republic of China on Taiwan, will be celebrating its 89th 
anniversary on October 10th.
  Just like our 4th of July, their National Day marks the beginning of 
a fantastic story of struggles and triumphs--a story of economic 
miracles, social and political progress, and cultural leadership unlike 
any other. The National Day celebrates the past successes and ongoing 
efforts of a group of people committed to the idea that all citizens 
should be able to participate in the politics of the country they live 
in.
  This October 10th is especially poignant because it marks the first 
time that newly elected President Chen Shui Bien will lead the 
celebration. Both President Chen and his Vice President Annette Lu have 
been working hard to continue to strengthen the bonds between the 
United States and Taiwan.
  In my state of Minnesota we know that those bonds go beyond issues of 
national security and foreign policy minutiae. In my district we see 
how those ties connect with our agricultural economy. Last year the 
Republic of China on Taiwan pledged to purchase over $1 Billion dollars 
worth of grain, much of it out of the Red River Valley of the North in 
northwestern Minnesota. The previous year they pledged to buy $1.1 
Billion over 12 months, and that goal was actually reached in less than 
9 months. They have been good customers for the farmers in my district 
and I look forward to seeing that continue in future years.
  Taiwan has built its relationship with the government and people of 
the United States by being a good international citizen. I congratulate 
the Republic of China on Taiwan and its people on their 89th National 
Day, and look forward to many years of close ties between our two 
nations.

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