[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 24, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9108-S9109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              VISIT OF TAIWAN'S FIRST LADY CHEN WU SUE-JEN

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, Washington is graced this week by the 
visit of Madame Chen Wu Sue-Jen, the First Lady of Taiwan and a 
distinguished humanitarian and advocate for human rights. Mrs. Chen has 
worked tirelessly to promote human rights and democratization on 
Taiwan. In tandem with her husband, President Chen Shui-Bien, Mrs. Chen 
has worked to open up the Taiwanese political system and ensure that 
the Taiwan Government reflects all its citizens' views and interests. 
Taiwan's democracy serves as an model to Chinese-speaking people around 
the world, and as compelling evidence that human rights and democracy 
are truly universal aspirations.
  The struggle for democratization is never quick or easy, and in Mrs. 
Chen's case, it led to very personal sacrifice. When leaving a campaign 
rally in 1985, she was hit by a vehicle that left her paralyzed from 
the waist down. While some might view that as a justification to 
withdraw from public life, in the case of Mrs. Chen, it only reinforced 
her commitment to public service, and she went on to serve with 
distinction in Taiwan's legislature. Her experience has also given her 
a profound sense of identification with the disabled, whom she has 
worked as First Lady to support. While here in Washington, Mrs. Chen 
will meet with the Red Cross and the National Rehabilitation Hospital

[[Page S9109]]

to discuss the work she has done in Taiwan to promote the rights of the 
disabled.
  It has been pointed out that Mrs. Chen's visit is the first visit by 
a First Lady of the Republic of China since Soong May-ling, better 
known here as Madame Chiang, traveled to Washington to ask for U.S. 
support in 1943. Since that turbulent period, America has maintained 
close ties with the Republic of China. The United States has had, and 
will continue to have, a unique partnership with Taiwan, and the people 
on Taiwan should remain assured that they have no better friend than 
the United States.
  But this week's historic milestone also marks a good opportunity to 
reflect the vast distance the Republic of China has traveled between 
1943 and now. Today when Taiwan talks with the United States, it does 
so as a vibrant democracy, a flourishing economy, a major trading 
partner and investor in the United States, and an important partner of 
the U.S. in our efforts to preserve peace and stability in East Asia.
  There is no better reflection of today's Taiwan than this dedicated 
woman who embodies so many of the positive changes that have occurred 
on the island. This week's visit will give Americans an opportunity to 
deepen their understanding of Taiwan by meeting with one of its most 
accomplished and articulate representatives. It gives me great pleasure 
to welcome my friend, Madame Chen Wu, to Washington. I urge my 
colleagues to take this opportunity to get to know her, you will be 
glad you did.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I welcome Taiwan's First Lady, Madame 
Chen Wu Sue-jen, to Washington, D.C. and remark on her considerable 
accomplishments. As many of my colleagues are aware, Madame Chen Wu was 
paralyzed from the waist down after being hit by an automobile in 1985, 
and is permanently confined to a wheelchair. Despite this tragic event, 
Madame Chen Wu has persevered.
  In 1986, when her husband, now President Chen Shui-bian, was 
imprisoned on political charges, Madame Chen Wu ran on her husband's 
behalf for a seat in the national legislature--and won. Since then, she 
has played a crucial role as confidant and supporter to President Chen 
as he progressed from legislator to Mayor of Taipei and now in this 
current office.
  The courage and optimism Madame Chen Wu demonstrates, in spite of her 
physical limitation, serves as a source of inspiration for all. 
Continuously upbeat in life, Madame Chen provides tremendous support to 
all who know her. Her strength of character has done much to transform 
the role of Taiwan's First Lady.
  So, it is with great pleasure that I welcome Madame Chen Wu to the 
United States, to Washington, D.C., and am confident that her visit 
will only serve to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations.
  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise to speak about 
Taiwan's First Lady, Madam Chen Wu Sue-jen, who is visiting Washington 
this week for the first time in her capacity as First Lady. As a dear 
friend of Taiwan, and on behalf of my colleagues in the United States 
Senate, I would like to welcome Madam Chen Wu to Washington. I hope her 
visit is pleasant and productive.
  Mr. President, Madam Chen Wu is truly a delightful and remarkable 
lady. I am in awe of her courage in the face of adversary. I am 
especially moved by her refusal to allow being a victim of an 
automobile accident, which rendered her disabled, from ending her 
outspoken advocacy for democracy in Taiwan.
  Madam Chen Wu successfully ran for office herself, becoming a 
lawmaker. She later focused her efforts to make her husband one of 
Taiwan's eminent political figures. Her dreams and hopes for him became 
fulfilled when Chen Shui-bian was elected president of the Republic of 
China in 2000.
  Since taking office, President Chen has exhibited great leadership 
and courage in the face of the People's Republic of China's constant 
menace. President Chen has also shown his compassion and friendship to 
the American people in the wake of the tragic attacks on the citizens 
of the United States of America. I am certain these fine traits have 
been honed in part through the example Madam Chen Wu has played in his 
life.
  To this day, First Lady, Madam Chen Wu has not changed. She is still 
the same Chen Wu Sue-jen of years ago: an innocent schoolgirl from 
Matou, Tainan County, Taiwan. She has retained all the charm and grace 
of a young Taiwanese girl who later became a wife, mother, politician 
and First Lady.
  The United States of America welcomes you, Madam Chen Wu.

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