[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GIL GUTKNECHT

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I extend my best wishes and 
congratulations to Taiwan Ambassador David Lee, President Chen Shui-
bian, and the 23 million people of the Republic of China on the 
occasion of their National Day, October 10th.
  The United States is Taiwan's largest trading partner. In 2000, total 
U.S.-Taiwan trade was approximately $65 billion, with a Taiwan surplus 
of approximately $16 billion. Taiwan's chief exports to the United 
States include clothing and footwear, toys, and various electronic 
products. In recent years, Taiwanese government officials have 
attempted to accommodate increased U.S. pressure on trade issues by 
meeting many U.S. demands for greater market access for U.S. goods and 
services, and responded to U.S. complaints by taking stronger measures 
to protect U.S. copyrights and other intellectual property rights.
  The Republic of China on Taiwan is a genuine democracy and its people 
enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. As one of 
our largest trading partners and friends in the Far East, it is my 
opinion that the Republic of China on Taiwan deserves much greater 
international recognition. I will continue to press for more favorable 
U.S. treatment of Taiwan and for Taiwan's inclusion in some capacity in 
international organizations like the World Health Organization. 
Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization is vital to the 
interests of the people of Taiwan, and will open Taiwan's access to the 
latest information on epidemics and diseases. I have joined the House 
Taiwan Caucus to express my support of this important ally.
  I hope that we will continue to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations and 
raise the level of strategic cooperation between the United States and 
Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act.

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