[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 124 (Friday, October 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DANA ROHRABACHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 6, 2000

  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I extend congratulations to the 23 
million people of Taiwan and their democratically elected government, 
led by President Chen Shui-bian and Vice-President Annette Lu, on the 
occasion of Taiwan's forthcoming National Day.
  Taiwan has become a beacon of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region, 
despite the threat of military force by Communist China. I have seen 
tremendous positive changes in Taiwan, from my first visit in 1967, 
when the island republic was under virtual martial law. Within the past 
three decades, as basic freedoms and civil liberties have become 
ingrained, Taiwan has evolved into a powerful economic engine for the 
entire region. Today the people of Taiwan are enjoying unprecedented 
prosperity and deserve international respect and admiration.
  I have strongly supported Congressional resolutions advocating that 
Taiwan be permitted as an independent entity into international 
organizations, such as the World Health Organization and the World 
Trade Organization even before Communist China is admitted.
  The government of communist China should never forget the importance 
of the freedom of Taiwan to the people of the United States. I wish 
even greater social and economic success for Taiwan in the coming 
years.

                          ____________________