[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 15, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E798]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2001

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, President Chen Shui-bian of the 
Republic of China will be completing his first year of service as 
Taiwan's head of state this May 20, and I would like to congratulate 
him and comment on a few of Taiwan's achievements.
  First, the Republic of China on Taiwan is a major trading partner of 
the United States and has maintained friendly ties and relations with 
us for the last ninety years. Second, over recent decades, Taiwan has 
become a successful model of political reform. Fifty years ago, Taiwan 
was a closed and authoritarian society with neither freedom of speech 
nor freedom of assembly. Taiwan did not have elections. Today, Taiwan 
has become a true democracy. It is the home to more than 90 political 
parties and virtually every political office in Taiwan is hotly 
contested through free and fair elections. Third, Taiwan subscribes to 
the private enterprise system. Taiwan's economy is vibrant and it 
offers its people one of the highest standards of living in Asia, 
including universal education and free medical care of people of all 
ages in Taiwan. Fourth, in terms of its trading relations with us, 
Taiwan represents our seventh largest export market, thus providing 
many jobs for our manufacturers. Fifth, in addition to trade relations, 
more than 30,000 Taiwan students are studying at U.S. colleges and 
universities. Sixth, the U.S. is the number one destination for most of 
Taiwan's travelers. Seventh, and last but not least, Taiwan and the 
U.S. share many values in common such as attachment to human rights, 
freedom and democracy.
  Congratulations to Taiwan. I would also like to extend my sincerest 
welcome to President Chen during his visit to America. He will be 
stopping in New York on his way to Central America later this month. 
His stay in New York will be brief, but I hope he enjoys his stay and I 
wish him success during his official visit in Central America.

                          ____________________