[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]




                    THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2001

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I wish to 
extend to President Chen Shui-bian of the Republic of China on Taiwan 
my congratulations on the occasion of his first anniversary in office 
on May 20, 2001.
  In his inaugural address, the president mentioned two key points: his 
hope that Taiwan and the Chinese mainland could resume their dialogue 
on reunification and that Taiwan would continue to strengthen its good 
relationship with the United States.
  Twelve months later, while President Chen continues to hope for a 
breakthrough in Taiwan's evolving relationship with the Chinese 
mainland, Taiwan's relationship with the United States is certainly 
becoming ever stronger. Bilateral trade between Taiwan and the United 
States topped $64.8 billion last year, and Taiwan was the United 
States' eighth largest trading partner. Last year, nearly 30,000 
students from Taiwan were enrolled in United States colleges and 
universities. And the United States, outside of Asia, is the number one 
destination for Taiwan travelers. Clearly, Taiwan's people like the 
United States, as Taiwan and the United States share many values in 
common such as attachment to freedom, democracy, and human rights.
  To President Chen Shui-bian of the Republic of China, I say ``Good 
luck and good fortune. You have done a good job for your country.'' 
Last but not least, America welcomes President Chen to make a brief 
stopover in New York City as he travels to Central America.

                          ____________________