[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 132 (Thursday, October 4, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1802]]
                HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2001

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute President 
Chen Shui-bian on the occasion of Taiwan's forthcoming National Day. As 
a birthday present to Taiwan, I believe all of us should support 
Taiwan's bid to re-enter the United Nations. After the admission of 
Tuvalu to the United Nations in 2000, the Republic of China on Taiwan 
is the only aspiring country that remains excluded from the United 
Nations. Taiwan has every right to be a member of the United Nations. 
Taiwan has a dynamic economy that is the envy of much of the world. 
Taiwan is the world's 17th largest economy and holds approximately $100 
billion in foreign exchange reserves. Politically, Taiwan is one of the 
freest nations. It has a democratically elected head of state and holds 
free elections at all levels. Taiwan's citizens enjoy full human rights 
and press freedom. By any measurable standard, Taiwan is an economic 
powerhouse and a beacon of democracy. Taiwan's twenty-three million 
citizens need a voice in the United Nations. By excluding Taiwan, the 
United Nations is violating its own principle of universality. The 
Republic of China on Taiwan has much to contribute to the work and 
funding of the United Nations and other international organizations. I 
urge my colleagues to give their support to Taiwan's campaign to return 
to the United Nations and other international organizations. I also 
wish to add that Taiwan was shocked and devastated by the events of 
September 11th. Taiwan shares with us the belief that those terrorist 
acts are reprehensible and must be condemned. Taiwan grieves with 
America whose homeland was attacked by shameless terrorists. An attack 
on America means an attack on Taiwan; it means an attack on democracy 
and our way of life. Taiwan is ready to help us combat terrorism 
anywhere and everywhere. Happy Birthday Taiwan!

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