[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 77 (Thursday, May 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2003

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor and a true privilege 
as the ranking Member in the House International Relations Committee, 
to congratulate President Chen Shui-bian and the people of Taiwan upon 
the third anniversary of his election.
  President Chen has been an instrumental component as Taiwan moves 
along the path of democratization and wide economic reform. Moreover, 
President Chen deserves recognition for repeatedly demonstrating his 
commitment to human rights and rule of law. These are no small 
accomplishments, and are but one of the litany of achievements that 
that President Chen has scored while in office. In this regard, I would 
like to share with my colleagues a small sample of the highlights of 
President Chen's first three years in office.
  First, President Chen has shown a continued commitment to the long-
standing economic and cultural relationship that exists between the 
United States and Taiwan. Today, Taiwan remains a top ten trading 
partner and the strength of our cultural ties can be clearly seen by 
the number of Taiwanese students, currently at more than 30,000, who 
attend U.S. colleges and universities.
  Second, President Chen has been a quiet yet fiercely determined 
leader in bringing Taiwan greater exposure and admittance to the global 
community nations. His success in this area is evident by the recent 
entrance of Taiwan into the World Trade Organization (WTO). Mr. 
Speaker, future goals include seeking membership in the World Health 
Organization and the International Civic Aviation Organization.
  Third, President Chen has exhibited great diplomacy with his cautious 
and measured comments and actions toward the People's Republic of 
China. Mr. Speaker, I personally believe that President Chen 
demonstrated great courage when he promised that Taiwan would not seek 
independence as long as Beijing refrains from using force against 
Taiwan.
  Mr. Speaker, this short list is but illustrative of President Chen's 
achievements to date. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to join me 
in congratulating President Chen Shui-ban on the first three years of 
his presidency, and wish him continued success on all of his future 
endeavors.




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