[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATIONS TO THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2001

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on May 22nd, President Chen Shui-
bian of the Republic of China will be completing his first year of 
service as Taiwan's head of state, and I would like to take this 
occasion to congratulate him and comment on a few of Taiwan's 
achievements.
  For the last two decades, the republic of China on Taiwan has been a 
major trading partner of the United States. It has maintained friendly 
ties and relations with us for the last ninety years. Taiwan is one of 
the most successful models of rapid political reform in the entire 
world. Fifty years ago, Taiwan was a closed authoritarian society with 
no freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, or right to vote. Today, 
Taiwan is a full-fledged democracy. It is home to more than 90 
political parties. Virtually every political office in Taiwan is hotly 
contested through free and fair elections.
  Taiwan believes in free-market economics. Taiwan's economics. 
Taiwan's economy is so strong that it offers its people one of the 
highest standards of living in Asia, universal education, and free 
medical care for people of all ages. With respect to U.S.-Taiwan trade, 
Taiwan is our seventh largest export market, supporting many jobs for 
U.S. manufacturers. In addition, U.S. colleges and universities host 
more than 10,000 Taiwan students. The U.S. is the number one 
destination for most of Taiwan travelers. Lastly, Taiwan and the United 
states share many common values such as a respect for human rights, 
freedom of speech, and democracy.
  I would like to offer my congratulations to President Chen and the 
people of Taiwan. I also would like to welcome President Chen as he 
transits New York on his way to Central America. Although his stay in 
New York will be brief, his visit is of tremendous importance to all of 
us Americans who recognize and value what a great, longstanding friend 
Taiwan has been to the United States.

                          ____________________