[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA-TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK E. SOUDER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 10, 2001

  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and send best 
wishes to the Republic of China on Taiwan as they celebrate National 
Day.
  National Day marks the beginning of democracy in China when on 
October 10, 1911, a revolt erupted against the ruling Manchu dynasty. 
This revolt led to the establishment of the Republic of China on 
January 1, 1912. The ROC was established on Taiwan in 1949. The 
Republic of China on Taiwan has made great strides toward full 
democracy. Last year, voters in Taiwan elected Mr. Chen Shui-bian as 
the Tenth President of the Republic of China. This election marked, for 
the first time in Chinese history, a peaceful transfer of power and the 
first change in the ruling party in fifty years.
  The ROC thrives as multi-party democracy and furthermore, the people 
of Taiwan have proven that freedom and democracy are not just American 
ideals; they are universal principles that apply to every individual, 
to every community and to every nation. The ROC has also shown that 
hard work and ingenuity can create a strong world class economy. Taiwan 
has a fully developed market-oriented economy ranking as the world's 
14th largest trading state and the United States' fifth-largest trading 
partner. It is Japan's second-largest export market, and a rich country 
possessing one of the world's largest foreign exchange reserves.
  The ROC has long been and continues to be an ally of the United 
States. The United States continues to benefit from our countries' 
bonds of friendship and cooperation, both economic and governmental. 
Unlike the United States, however, the world has not been able to fully 
benefit from all that Taiwan has to offer.
  The Republic of China has been kept from full participation in the 
world. It is not a member of the United Nations. It is not a member of 
the World Health Organization. It has not been allowed to participate 
in the Asia Pacific Economic Conference. By denying Taiwan membership 
in these organizations, the world community loses.
  On this day especially, it is my wish for the Republic of China on 
Taiwan that it be granted participation in these forums and for the 
world to fully embrace Taiwan and all it could bring to the global 
community. I congratulate the ROC on its National Day and wish it 
greater prosperity and achievement in the future. The Republic of China 
has always been our friend. And at this time, of all times, we need to 
be thankful for and loyal to our true friends.

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