[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2003

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor President Chen Shui-
Bian of Taiwan as he celebrates three years in office.
  For more than fifty years the United States and Taiwan have had a 
valued cross-pacific relationship. One million Americans of Taiwanese 
descent live in the United States and twenty nine thousand Taiwanese 
students attend American universities.
  Taiwan and the US share close economic ties. In the last half 
century, Taiwan has grown to become our seventh largest trading 
partner.
  Taiwan, however, is more than an economic ally. It has offered 
unwavering support in our efforts to confront terrorism. Taiwan's 
democratic success is also clear. It heeds its people's choice and 
turns over power after elections. It allows and encourages its people 
to participate in deliberations on their country's future.
  In the wake of the SARS outbreak, it is imperative that Taiwan's 
twenty three million people are allowed to participate in the World 
Health Organization's efforts to counteract this contagion. This can be 
achieved by granting Taiwan observer status in the WHO.
  Taiwan and President Chen have been great allies and friends to the 
American people. I congratulate the people of Taiwan and President Chen 
on their many achievements.

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