[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1009]]
 REGARDING THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELECTION OF TAIWAN'S PRESIDENT 
                             CHEN SHUI-BIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2003

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, three years ago, Mr. Chen Shui-bian was 
democratically elected president of the Republic of China on Taiwan. 
His election showed the world that democracy was alive and well and 
could easily thrive in a Chinese society like Taiwan.
  During the last three years, President Chen has continued his 
democratization program for Taiwan, which today has free elections at 
every level, a totally free press and a strong record on human rights. 
Taiwan continues to set an excellent example for other nations to 
follow.
  Moreover, President Chen has on many occasions stressed that Taiwan 
and China must work together to discuss issues of mutual interest. 
President Chen has asked the Chinese mainland authorities to respect 
human rights and to accept the political reality that the two sides of 
the Strait are ruled separately by equal political entities. Any 
progress toward improved cross-strait relations must ensure protection 
of the interests of the 23 million people living in the Republic of 
China on Taiwan.
  As a first step toward resumption of cross-strait dialogue, China 
should remove its military forces along Taiwan's coast. China has 
deployed 350 short-range missiles aimed at Taiwan and is adding 50 
missiles a year. Instead of threatening with military might, I hope the 
two sides will work to resolve disputes and differences peacefully.
  As the people of Taiwan prepare to celebrate their president's third 
anniversary in office, I also stress my support for the granting to 
Taiwan of observer status at the World Health Assembly this May. As the 
outbreak of SARS threatens Asia and the world, Taiwan must be included 
in all World Health Organization activities. 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.'' It is now time for Taiwan to be included in the 
global campaign for the protection of public health.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting these important 
goals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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