[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 98 (Thursday, July 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1295-E1296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMENDING THE U.S.-ASIA INSTITUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL G. OXLEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2002

  Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of the 
House of Representatives the work of the U.S.-Asia Institute, which 
plays an important role in improving understanding between the United 
States and China. This nongovernmental organization promotes an ongoing 
exchange of views between policy makers in the U.S. and China.
  Since 1985, a principal vehicle for furthering this dialogue has been 
the congressional staff delegation visits to the People's Republic of 
China organized by the U.S.-Asia Institute and hosted by the Chinese 
People's Institute of Foreign Affairs. These official visits serve to 
increase awareness, knowledge, and understanding of U.S. and Chinese 
policies. The 50th delegation will travel to China in August 2002.
  To commemorate this milestone, the U.S.-Asia Institute is hosting 
special events in Washington, D.C. in July 2002. The Chinese People's 
Institute of Foreign Affairs will reciprocate by hosting special events 
in Beijing in August 2002.
  Since its inception, this program has hosted more than 400 
congressional staff members who have traveled throughout China--from 
Heihe in the north on the Russian border to Hainan Island in the south; 
from the dynamic coastal cities of Shanghai and Guangzhou to the remote 
city of Urumqi, an oasis on the ancient Silk Road; from Tibet to 
Kunming to Beijing and other places in between. Over 150 congressional 
office and committee staff members have benefitted from fact-finding 
and the opportunity to discuss in depth issues of mutual interest to 
our great nations. The progress of the U.S.-Sino relationship rests on 
dialogue and engagement, and this program provides participants with an 
unparalleled first-hand view of China, its culture, its government, and 
its people.

[[Page E1296]]

  In recognition of a program that promotes understanding, goodwill, 
and trade between the people of China and the United States, I commend 
the U.S.-Asia Institute and the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign 
Affairs for their work and hope that this long-standing partnership 
will continue for many years to come.

                          ____________________