[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 137 (Friday, October 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN ON NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 11, 2001

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend to the people of Taiwan 
my congratulations on the occasion of National Day. Today's event 
reminds us of the strong ties and shared principles between the United 
States and the people of Taiwan.
  Today, the people in Taiwan continue to enjoy high standards of 
living. Under the leadership of President Chen Shui-Bian, Taiwan has 
demonstrated great economic resilience and has made gestures to improve 
dialogue with the mainland. Additionally, Taiwan's relationship with 
the United States is becoming increasingly strong. Bilateral trade 
between Taiwan and the United States topped $64.8 billion last year, 
and Taiwan is the United States' eighth largest trading partner. Last 
year, nearly 30,000 students from Taiwan were enrolled in United States 
colleges and universities. Additionally, the United States, outside of 
Asia, is the number one destination for Taiwan travelers. Clearly, 
Taiwan and the United States share many values in common such as 
attachment to freedom, democracy and human rights.
  I also wish to thank President Chen for his strong words of support 
after the terrorist attacks of September 11. The people of Taiwan 
recognize the importance of solidarity in times of difficulty, as they 
recently coped with the devastating effects of two typhoons, and I 
thank them for their offer to assist in international efforts to 
eliminate worldwide terrorism.
  On this day of celebration for the people of Taiwan, I offer them my 
best regards and gratitude for their support and friendship.

                          ____________________