[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 125 (Wednesday, October 6, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 5, 2004

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join the people of the 
Republic of China in celebrating their forthcoming National Day on 
October 10th. I believe it is appropriate to recognize the substantial 
political and economic achievements of the Taiwanese people during the 
last few decades and to highlight the strong and important relationship 
that continues to grow between the people of Taiwan and the people of 
the United States.
  Taiwan has established itself as a stable and successful Asian 
democracy in recent decades. The elected representatives at every level 
of Taiwan's government have successfully confronted the most 
significant challenge that faces an emerging democracy--the peaceful 
transition of power from an incumbent leader to a newly elected leader 
in accordance with the results of a free, fair, and legitimate 
election. Additionally, Taiwan boasts a thriving, multi-party democracy 
in which citizens and elected representatives alike freely debate and 
discuss the full range of issues that face Taiwan.
  Just as the state of democracy in Taiwan has continued to strengthen, 
so too has the relationship between Taiwan and the United States. The 
relationship between the United States and Taiwan has grown stronger 
each year since the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979. Both 
nations have an unwavering commitment to democracy and a firm belief in 
the protection of fundamental human rights. Furthermore, Taiwan and the 
United States share important economic interests as well. Bilateral 
trade between Taiwan and the United States exceeded $65 billion last 
year, making Taiwan America's eighth largest trading partner. 
Additionally, last year nearly 30,000 Taiwanese students studied in 
colleges and universities in the United States; and aside from Asia, 
the people of Taiwan visit the United States more than any other 
country--even more evidence of the increasing interconnectivity between 
the peoples of Taiwan and the United States.
  Unfortunately, at a time when Taiwan's political and economic example 
could most benefit the world community of nations, some countries 
continue to insist on Taiwan's isolation from that community. 
Restoration of Taiwan's membership to the United Nations and the World 
Health Organization would serve as beginning steps toward ending that 
isolation. As other new democracies emerge, I am convinced that the 
world could greatly benefit from the counsel of a nation that has 
recently transformed itself into a democracy as effectively and 
successfully as Taiwan. As an ally and friend to the United States, 
Taiwan is a nation of great importance, deserving not only of our 
recognition but also of our support.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, on Taiwan's National Day, I would like to 
salute Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian and the 23 million people of 
Taiwan for their many and varied accomplishments, and acknowledge the 
ever-growing bond that exists between Taiwan and the United States.

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