[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 15 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE PRESIDENT'S VISIT TO CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2002

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, as the President makes his first state visit 
to China later this month, I wish him well and a productive trip. The 
United States and China will have many issues to discuss, such as 
counter-terrorism, human rights, arms proliferation, Tibet and Taiwan. 
It is my hope that President Bush will stand on his principles 
regarding Taiwan. As a long time observer of the Republic of China on 
Taiwan, I have noticed that Taiwan is a country that has taken great 
strides towards democracy. With U.S. assistance, Taiwan is now a major 
economic power in the world, and a member of the World Trade 
Organization. Although it has embraced democracy, it faces a formidable 
adversary--the People's Republic of China. From time to time, China 
threatens Taiwan militarily. It is important that Taiwan has the 
capability to defend itself against outside forces. Therefore, I 
consider President Bush's trip to China vital, but believe that 
Taiwan's interests must not be compromised.

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