[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 10, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S10450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNITION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN
Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, the evil acts perpetrated
on September 11, which took thousands of innocent lives in New York,
Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, have brought out the best and worst
in man. In the days following the terrorist attacks on the United
States, Americans gained a clearer picture of who our friends were by
their sincere words and by their actions. In particular, I applaud the
Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan which quickly offered its
assistance, support, and strong condemnation of terrorism.
Recently, I learned that the Republic of China on Taiwan has canceled
here in the United States what should have been a great day of
celebration for the Taiwanese people living in this country. The
Republic of China's National Day was to have been held today, October
10, in order to honor and remember those who perished in the September
11 attacks. I am touched by the Republic China's actions and their
sympathy for the victims.
Despite continual attempts by the People's Republic of China
politically and militarily to threaten the Republic of China on Taiwan,
that island nation has remained committed to democracy and has matured
into a prosperous nation. On Taiwan's National Day, I believe Taiwan
needs a greater international presence, and I support that island
nation's desire to share its resources and ideas. This can only be done
through Taiwan's inclusion into international organizations. As we
struggle to recover from the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001,
let us always be mindful of who America's true allies and friends are.
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