[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 74 (Monday, May 19, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CONGRATULATIONS TO TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2003

  Mr. BURTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Republic of 
China as it prepares to celebrate President Chen Shui-bian's third 
anniversary in office. President Chen should be commended for his 
leadership in guiding Taiwan through many challenges and maintaining 
prosperity and democracy for its 23 million people on the island.
  Despite economic downturns in many parts of the world, Taiwan has 
maintained a healthy, albeit slow, growth. Taiwan's substantive 
relations with nearly all the free countries have been steadily 
improving, especially with Taiwan's recent accession to the World Trade 
Organization. However, much more needs to be done to expand Taiwan's 
international presence.
  For years, I have been sympathetic to Taiwan's goals of obtaining a 
greater international presence. With the recent outbreak of SARS, I 
feel even stronger that Taiwan needs to be included in any and all 
international medical cooperation and collaboration. With the spread of 
SARS, the importance of public health information disclosure is 
paramount. As Secretary of State Colin Powell recently said, 
``infectious disease knows no borders and requires an effective and 
coordinated response at local, national and international levels.'' 
Time has come for Taiwan to be included in all World Health 
Organization activities. For a start, I believe the United States 
should strongly support Taiwan's efforts to obtain observer status at 
The World Health Assembly this May.
  Moreover, I believe we should support Taiwan's bid to be a member of 
the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in view of the 
fact there are 270 direct flights a week between the United States and 
Taiwan. There is no doubt in my mind that we should give Taiwan all the 
support, including Taiwan's bid to return to the United Nations.
  On the eve of President Chen Shui-bian's third anniversary in office, 
I. join my colleagues in wishing President Chen all the best.

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