[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATION ON TAIWAN PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN'S FIRST ANNIVERSARY 
                               IN OFFICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY G. MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2001

  Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, the people in the 
Republic of China on Taiwan will be celebrating President Chen Shui-
bian's first anniversary in office on May 20, 2001.
  President Chen Shui-bian won his presidential election last year and 
in the last 12 months, he has shown the world his steady leadership at 
home and abroad. He has continued the social and economic programs of 
his predecessor and convinced the world of his intention to seek better 
relations with the Chinese mainland and maintain good relations with 
allies and friends abroad. He has done an excellent job for the people 
of Taiwan.
  Taiwan has become one of our nation's largest trading partners and 
continues to grow in that capacity to the benefit of both the people of 
the United States of America and Taiwan. Trade between the United 
States and Taiwan totaled $64.9 billion in 2000, up 19.4 percent from 
1999. Last year, Taiwan's imports from the United States grew by 27.4 
percent to $24.2 billion. It is hard to believe that just fifty years 
ago, the per capita GNP in Taiwan was $150. Today, Taiwan is the 
world's 17th largest economy and Taiwan's vigorous trade with foreign 
countries has given the people of Taiwan a much higher standard of 
living. The great strides Taiwan has made economically are an admirable 
tribute to Taiwanese people and their democratic leaders. I 
particularly thank President Chen Shui-bian in continuing to lead 
Taiwan in that tradition.
  On his first anniversary in office, I wish President Chen Shui-bian 
every success in leading his country and his people to ever greater 
economic heights at home and international recognition abroad. Also, I 
am delighted to see that as he travels to Central America this month, 
he will be making a transit stop in New York City. I welcome President 
Chen to the United States and wish him the best in leading Taiwan in 
continued prosperity.

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