[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 138 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2004

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I wish to 
extend to Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian my congratulations on the 
occasion of the Republic of China's National Day which was celebrated 
on October 10th.
  Under President Chen's leadership, Taiwan's economy continues to grow 
and people continue to enjoy high standards of living. To bolster 
Taiwan's economy, President Chen has improved Taiwan's trade relations 
with the People's Republic of China. Moreover, President Chen continues 
to work for an early breakthrough in Taiwan's dialogue with the PRC.
  In the meantime, Taiwan's relationship with the United States is 
becoming ever stronger. Bilateral trade between Taiwan and the United 
States topped $65 billion last year and Taiwan is our eighth largest 
trading partner. Taiwan and the United States share many values in 
common such as attachment to freedom; democracy and human rights.
  I would like to personally thank President Chen for his support of 
our war against global terrorism and developmental assistance to a 
number of African nations.
  To President Chen I say ``good luck and good fortune''. I remain 
hopeful that our relations will continue to be strengthened in 2005. 
Certainly, the able leadership of Ambassador David Lee has helped to 
further our relations with the government and people of Taiwan.

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