[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 124 (Thursday, September 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING 94TH CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL DAY IN REPUBLIC OF CHINA 
                                (TAIWAN)

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 2005

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 94th celebration of 
National Day in the Republic of China (Taiwan).
  Today, I join with the Taiwanese people as they celebrate their 
freedom. Taiwan has peacefully overcome authoritarian rule to attain 
democracy. It will hopefully constitute a model for the eventual 
establishment of a genuine democracy in China. The U.S. and Taiwan 
value human rights, civil liberties, a free press and the rule of law. 
Our shared values have produced a strong and dependable friendship for 
over 50 years. Today, the people of Taiwan determine their own destiny 
and government through free and fair elections.
  Many of my colleagues will be surprised to learn that Taiwan is our 
8th largest trading partner. A recent survey by the World Economic 
Forum ranked Taiwan fifth in the world and first in Asia for growth 
competitiveness. The Taiwanese have been increasing their demands for 
American goods becoming a more valuable trading partner. The Taiwanese 
people have also achieved economic prosperity with one of the highest 
standards of living in the world. It is impressive to find that less 
than 1 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. Now a 
strong member of the World Trade Organization, Taiwan's market-based 
economy is now the 12th largest in the world.
  The government of Taiwan was one of the first to come to our aid 
after the events of September 11th and Hurricane Katrina. Taiwan 
continues to be our ally in the war on terrorism by cooperating with 
humanitarian assistance in Iraq and Afghanistan and providing 
intelligence. They have shown generosity and compassion by contributing 
to the Twin Towers Fund and Pentagon Memorial Fund, and now to the 
victims of Hurricane Katrina.
  I hope that its neighbors, especially those in China, will notice 
Taiwan's celebration of freedom, democracy, and a market economy. I 
hope Taiwan and China will work together and cultivate a future based 
on respect, democracy, and freedom. I am encouraged by reports that 
Taiwan's President, Chen Shui-bian is willing to hold a summit with 
President Hu Jintao and resume dialog on cross-strait issues.
  It is with great pleasure I congratulate Taiwan, our friend and ally, 
on the celebration of their 94th National Day, October 10, 2005.

                          ____________________