[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 72 (Thursday, May 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE FIRST YEAR OF CHEN SHUI-BIAN'S PRESIDENCY OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRISTOPHER SHAYS

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2005

  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, for the people of Taiwan this month marks the 
close of the first year of President Chen Shui-Bian's second term in 
office.
  President Chen's leadership has received praise around the world 
because he is actively seeking a dialogue with China that will promote 
peace and stability in cross-strait relations. He has supported 
Taiwan's opposition leaders' visit to China and indicated that he would 
welcome feedback on safeguarding the democracy and sovereignty of 
Taiwan.
  Taiwan and the United States share the values of freedom, human 
rights, and democracy and work together politically and economically. 
Currently the United States is Taiwan's largest trading partner, with 
more than 270 direct flights between the United States and Taiwan every 
week. There are more than 28,000 Taiwanese students currently studying 
in the United States. We hope these trends will continue under the 
leadership of President Chen.
  Taiwan is currently seeking to be a World Health Assembly observer 
this year. Its 23 million people need access to the services provided 
by the World Health Organization (WHO). Excluding Taiwan from the WHO 
both jeopardizes the health of the Taiwanese people and keeps the rest 
of the world from benefiting from the health care resources and 
expertise Taiwan has to share.
  I applaud the Administration and Congress in its support of Taiwan's 
bid to become a World Health Assembly observer and wish President Chen 
and the people of Taiwan success this year.

                          ____________________