[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 77 (Thursday, May 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN OF TAIWAN

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                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2003

  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, President Chen Shui-bian will soon be 
marking his third anniversary in office. His performance as leader of 
Taiwan has received widespread praise around the world. In dealing with 
China, President Chen has sought to assuage Beijing's anxieties about 
Taiwan's declaration of independence. Moreover, President Chen has 
taken major steps to reduce tension in the Taiwan Straits. Travel 
between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland has been made much easier. We 
hope that Taiwan and China will soon resume their dialogue on issues 
affecting both sides. Peace in the Straits is in everyone's interest.
  President Chen was instrumental in making Taiwan's accession to the 
World Trade Organization a reality. We hope Taiwan will be successful 
in joining the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in the 
not too distant future. We also hope that Taiwan will be successful in 
gaining observer status at the World Health Assembly this May, 
especially with SARS affecting so many countries in Asia. 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.'' Taiwan is part of the world that 
has been severely affected by SARS. Taiwan belongs to the World Health 
Organization and must be included in all World Health Organization 
activities in curtailing the spread of SARS.
  Relations between Taiwan and the United States have been growing 
stronger everyday. Taiwan is a strong ally of ours. To reduce their 
trade surplus, Taiwan has bought many types of American agricultural 
and consumer products. Their tourists choose the United States as their 
number one destination and many of their students have selected our 
colleges and universities for advanced study. I am particularly pleased 
to see Taiwan giving us full support in our campaign against global 
terrorism and their pledge for humanitarian assistance to post-war 
Iraq. We must treasure Taiwan's friendship and learn from President 
Chen's longstanding motto: ``Do your best for whatever the job 
requires.''
  On the eve of President Chen's third anniversary in office, I salute 
President Chen for his many accomplishments and wish him good luck and 
good health.




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