[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 126 (Thursday, October 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING TAIWAN PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN BOOZMAN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 6, 2004

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in honoring Taiwan 
President, Chen Shui-bian, and his people on the occasion of their 
October 10 National Day.
  In the past two decades, Taiwan has truly emerged as a model Asian 
country. Secretary Powell said it well when he remarked, ``Taiwan has 
become a resilient economy, a vibrant democracy and a generous 
contributor to the international community.'' In fact, Taiwan's economy 
is the 16th largest in the world. One third the size of Virginia, 
Taiwan produces a Gross National Product that is four-fifths the size 
of Australia's.
  In addition, Taiwan's democracy gives its people a full range of 
political and civil rights, including freedom of speech and assembly. 
Taiwan also contributes to international causes. For example, in the 
last 10 years, Taiwan has given $100 million dollars to 78 countries 
and Taiwan is now providing a significant amount of humanitarian 
assistance to refugees in Afghanistan and Iraq.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan has become a close friend of the United States. 
Our relationship with Taiwan is multifaceted and wide-ranging. While we 
do not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, our mutual 
relationship has been able to flourish over many years. The United 
States and Taiwan have many common interests and shared values. Taiwan 
has been supportive of the United States, including our efforts in the 
war against global terror. In turn, the United States should help 
Taiwan return to the World Health Organization and the United Nations 
and commit ourselves to the Taiwan Relations Act, thus assuring 
Taiwan's security.
  It is clear to us that the 23 million people of Taiwan prefer the 
status quo in the Taiwan Strait. They prefer peace, stability and 
continued prosperity instead of dramatic changes that might undermine 
or endanger what they have achieved. To reflect the will of the people, 
in his May 20 inaugural address to the Taiwanese people, Taiwan 
President Chen Shui-bian was very conciliatory toward China and offered 
to open talks with China without pre-conditions. In fact, he did not 
rule out any form of relationship with China as long as it would be 
acceptable to the people of Taiwan. During this difficult time, the 
United States should support Taiwan's security, dignity and 
sovereignty. We should listen to the 23 million people of Taiwan and 
heed their desire for continued peace and democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing I wish to congratulate Taiwan ambassador, Dr. 
David Lee, and the people of Taiwan on their National Day and wish them 
every success in their year-end legislative elections.

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