[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 144 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING TAIWAN'S 92ND NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 15, 2003

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, as a longtime supporter and proud member of 
the Taiwan Caucus, I would like to recognize and congratulate Taiwan on 
its 92nd National Day, which it celebrated on October 10, 2003. Taiwan 
has made many significant accomplishments during its brief history. It 
is a true friend to the U.S., and one of our major trading partners.
  Taiwan is one of the largest export markets for many U.S. states, 
including New York. With a population of 23 million, the island of 
Taiwan is the world's 12th largest economy and our eighth largest 
trading partner. These economic ties have strengthened our bilateral 
relationship.
  Taiwan is a thriving democracy, supportive of political freedoms and 
human rights. Its constitution guarantees citizens freedom of assembly, 
expression and association, freedom of religion, and freedom of the 
press. Taiwan conducts free and fair elections, and is home to more 
than 90 political parties.
  I applaud Taiwan's commitment to upholding the Universal Declaration 
of Human Rights, the International Covenant of Civil and Political 
Rights, and the Declaration and Action Program of the 1993 Vienna 
Conference on Human Rights. I thank Taiwan for providing humanitarian 
assistance to Afghan refugees, and for its generous contributions to 
the International Community. I fully support Taiwan's efforts to rejoin 
the United Nations and join the World Health Organization.
  As we celebrate Taiwan's 92nd National Day, we recognize the strong 
relationship between our countries and commit ourselves to see this 
relationship continue to flourish and grow in the years to come.

                          ____________________