[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND TAIWAN

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                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 2003

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, my Colleagues and Friends of Taiwan, I want 
to take a moment to place into the Record a traditional oral expression 
or toast to the long-standing relationship between the United States 
and Taiwan. The republic of China's Twin Oaks Estate here in 
Washington, D.C., has been home to nine Ambassadors, as well as a venue 
for receiving guests of the Republic of China's Representative in the 
United States. It is a symbol of the abiding friendship between our two 
nations. Over the last six decades, countless Americans and Chinese 
friends and Ambassadors have met with members of Congress at Twin Oaks.
  On the south side of this wonderful mansion stand one hundred plum 
trees. The plum blossom, the national flower of The Republic of China, 
can withstand below freezing temperatures. After enduring this type of 
physical duress during the winter, in early spring the dark pink plum 
blossom emerges and blooms, demonstrating a glorious vitality. And so 
it is with the relationship between Taiwan and the United States of 
America. No matter how challenging the problems are now or will be; our 
time-honored relationship will continue to blossom and display this 
type of resilience. In a larger sense, it will spring eternally 
regardless of geopolitical pressures.
  So Mr. Speaker, the enduring strength of the plum blossom at the Twin 
Oaks Estate symbolizes our lasting friendship, which has benefited both 
of our nations for six decades.

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