[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 141 (Wednesday, October 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TAIWAN'S 92ND NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Taiwan for its 92nd 
National Day. Taiwan has been a reliable friend and ally of the United 
States for more than fifty years. The United States has a large and 
very active Taiwanese-American community. Hundreds of thousands of 
Americans of Taiwanese descent live in the U.S., the largest number 
living in and around New York City.
  The United States and Taiwan share important values and strengths 
which have engendered close ties between our people. Both countries are 
committed to a strong democratic form of government with constitutional 
guarantees of rights and freedoms for all citizens including speech, 
residence, travel, assembly, religion and association. Taiwan is a 
shining example in Southeast Asia of the importance of respecting civil 
liberties and the rule of law.
  Like the United States, Taiwan has a prosperous, market-based 
economy. It is the eighth largest trading partner of the United States 
and the twelfth largest economy in the world. U.S. exports to Taiwan 
make it one of the largest export markets for many states including my 
own state of New York. A clear sign of Taiwan's importance to the world 
economy was its accession into the World Trade Organization last year.
  Both countries have demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of 
the world at large. Taiwan's humanitarianism has included assistance 
for rebuilding Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo, and funds to assist the 
fight against AIDS worldwide. It has also dispatched rescue teams 
following natural disasters in El Salvador, Turkey, and Nicaragua.
  Both Houses of Congress have recently endorsed Taiwan's desire for a 
wider international role, specifically membership in the World Health 
Organization and in the United Nations. Taiwan is a responsible citizen 
of the world and friend to the United States. I heartily congratulate 
its 23 million citizens on the celebration of their National Day, 
October 10, 2003.

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