[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   SALUTE TO PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. WALTER B. JONES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2001

  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this Sunday, May 20 marks 
the one-year anniversary of the inauguration of Chen Shui-bian as 
President of the Republic of China on Taiwan. It was the first peaceful 
transition of power in Chinese history and a day that will long be 
remembered by people and nations of the world who believe in and value 
democracy and all that it stands for.
  I honor President Chen for his many accomplishments in leading his 
country economically and politically. I admire the goals he has set for 
his government to increase the visibility of Taiwan on the world stage 
through trade and international organizations. And I applaud his 
efforts in extending the olive branch of peace across the Taiwan 
Straight to Mainland China.
  In a few short days President Chen will be traveling to Central 
America and during the course of that trip he will make a brief stop in 
New York. While his time in New York will be short it will be a major 
first step toward easing the Clinton Administration restrictions 
governing the ability of Taiwan leaders to travel freely between the 
United States and Taiwan.
  The United States and Taiwan have arisen from the desire to live 
freely, born from the hearts of the people who dwell within their 
borders. President Chen's leadership continues to advance the cause of 
freedom and democracy so it is with great honor that I salute President 
Chen Shui-bian and look forward to the continued strengthening of the 
relationship between the United States of America and the Republic of 
China on Taiwan.

                          ____________________