[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATIONS TO PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN ON THIRD ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. EDWARD L. SCHROCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 2003

  Mr. SCHROCK. Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago, in the first peaceful and 
successful transition of power in Taiwan's history, voters elected Mr. 
Chen Shui-bian President of the Republic of China on Taiwan. Leading 
his country's transition from an authoritarian state to a democracy, 
President Chen has shown to the international community that democracy 
is indeed alive and able to thrive in a Chinese society like Taiwan. 
Now in 2003, President Chen has continued to make strides toward full 
democracy by guaranteeing Taiwan's citizens full constitutional and 
human rights, which include free elections and a totally free press.
  Since his election, President Chen Shui-bian has ardently sought a 
meaningful dialogue with his counterparts in the People's Republic of 
China (PRC). He has repeatedly urged them to discuss issues of mutual 
interest and has talked of sending a delegation to Beijing, further 
emphasizing his struggle for peace. Unfortunately, China has ignored 
President Chen's many gestures of friendship and cross-straight 
dialogue. Positioning hundreds of short-range missiles aimed at Taiwan, 
China has made it obvious that it does not believe that peace and 
stability in the Taiwan Strait is a priority. We hope Beijing will soon 
realize that peace and stability in the Strait is indeed in everyone's 
best interest and will pursue a peaceful resolution of tensions with 
Taiwan.
  We in the United States Congress greatly appreciate Taiwan's 
overwhelming support for our initiatives both home and abroad 
throughout the years. Since the tragic terrorist attacks of September 
11, 2001, Taiwan has graciously offered assistance to the United States 
in helping the country fight global terrorism. Assuring Washington of 
its support in the anti-terrorism effort in Iraq, the Taiwan government 
issued a statement during Operation Iraqi Freedom supporting the 
Coalition of the Willing's cause and pledging to offer humanitarian 
assistance to postwar-Iraq.
  Taiwan is currently enduring an outbreak of the alarming disease 
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). We wish Taiwan's government 
every success in their endeavor to fight against this disease and 
acknowledge the need for Taiwan's representation in the World Health 
Organization. As Secretary of State Colin Powell stated recently, SARS 
recognizes no international borders, and Taiwan should be able to 
utilize every opportunity to contribute to the battle to conquer this 
disease.
  On the third anniversary of President Chen's election, I wish 
President Chen well and wish Taiwan continued success in gaining a 
greater international role. The world has much to gain from what Taiwan 
has to offer, and the United States affirms its support for President 
Chen and his country.

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