[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 115 (Thursday, September 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1600]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TAIWAN BELONGS IN THE UNITED NATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 6, 2001

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, in 1996 Taiwan held the first ever direct 
election for president and four years later, in the presidential 
election of 2000, opposition party candidate Chen Shui-bian won the 
presidential election. Miraculously, Taiwan had a peaceful transfer of 
power, and for the first time in fifty years, an opposition party 
replaced the ruling party. Today, Taiwan's democracy is in full bloom. 
Every political office is contested through free and fair elections, 
thus dispelling the myth that democracy and Asians don't mix.
  Taiwan's rapid evolution into a full fledged democracy with a 
capitalist free-market economy clearly signals that Taiwan is ready to 
play a larger role on the international stage. Already, Taiwan is a 
member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and participates 
actively in the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for 
Reconstruction and Development, and the Inter-American Development 
Bank.
  Congress has repeatedly recognized Taiwan's desire to broaden its 
participation in the international arena by adopting legislation 
supporting Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization. The 
aftermath of the 1999 earthquake is a perfect example of why Taiwan 
should be allowed to participate. Unlike other disasters around the 
world, the United Nations delayed providing assistance to Taiwan until 
they got permission from China. If Taiwan had been a participant in the 
WHO, or better still, a member of the United Nations, no such delays 
would have occurred. Instead, thousands of Taiwanese suffered 
needlessly until the international community finally responded.
  After one year in office, President Chen Shui-bian has a solid record 
of achievement for his nation. Taiwan continues to seek resumption of 
dialogue with the Chinese mainland regarding eventual reunification. In 
addition, Taiwan has maintained a strong relationship with the United 
States and other friendly nations. Taiwan stands tall among nations and 
over the years has played a significant role in helping other nations 
develop. Taiwan has sent over 10,000 experts to train technicians in 
developing countries and has provided aid to many countries in need. It 
has given much to the world and the world community is enriched as a 
result.
  Unfortunately, despite Taiwan's desire to be a helpful global 
partner, Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations. It is time for 
the United Nations, on the principles of universality enshrined in the 
United Nations Charter, to acknowledge Taiwan's accomplishments and 
allow Taiwan to be a Member State.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan belongs in the United Nations. I personally 
support Taiwan's bid to return to the United Nations and I urge other 
members to do so as well.

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