[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 83 (Monday, May 21, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S6397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. DAVID TAWEI LEE

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I wish to honor Dr. David 
Tawei Lee, who has been Taiwan's chief representative to the United 
States. Dr. Lee will be assuming his new post as Taiwan's top envoy in 
Canada this month, leaving his post in Washington to take on this new 
role in Ottawa.
  I have known David for decades, and he has been a staunch ally and 
strong advocate for West Virginia. He has helped me, and our State, to 
make inroads in the Taiwanese economy and has been instrumental in the 
continuing success of businesses with roots in both Taiwan and West 
Virginia. This ongoing economic relationship is enormously important 
for both sides and has allowed West Virginia to continue to grow its 
burgeoning aviation industry and to explore business opportunities we 
never thought possible.
  As a result of the hard work of Representative Lee and others, Sino 
Swearingen Aircraft Company continues its push toward mass production 
of one of the most impressive business jets in the world. In addition, 
in my personal interactions with David, he has always been 
straightforward, honest, compassionate, and well-informed. I knew he 
would level with me during any difficult time and that I could count on 
him to fairly and accurately relay the results of our meetings to his 
people.
  Representative Lee has worked hard during the last 2\1/2\ years to 
renew and strengthen the political, economic, and social ties that bind 
the United States and Taiwan. On many difficult occasions, David Lee 
has risen to the challenge, and as Taiwan's Chief Representative to the 
United States he has given countless hours assisting lawmakers, 
administration officials, and the private sector in understanding the 
complex relationship between our people and ensuring that our 
longstanding friendship continues.
  Representative Lee was educated at the National Taiwan University and 
received his Ph.D. in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia. 
David is a true democrat, firmly committed to the principles of 
democracy and capitalism. He has been an asset for both Taiwan and the 
United States, and he has served Taiwan with honor, integrity, and 
distinction.
  Dr. Lee's record of distinguished public service to his people spans 
more than two decades. He began his career at the Coordination Council 
for North American Affairs, Office in Washington, DC, in l982 as a 
staff consultant and soon rose to various important posts in Taiwan's 
foreign ministry. From l997 to l998, he was Director-General, 
Government Information Office, and Government spokesman for Taiwan. 
From l998 to 2001, he served as Deputy Foreign Minister; from 2001 to 
2004, he was Taiwan's Representative to the European Union, stationed 
in Belgium. Since the summer of 2004, he has served as the Republic of 
China's chief representative in the United States.
  Our loss here in Washington will be Canada's gain. In his new role as 
Taiwan's representative to Canada, David will continue to be a strong 
advocate for policies that will encourage expanded trade and a 
continuing good relationship between Taiwan and the rest of the world. 
Again, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Representative and 
Madame Lee the very best of luck. They are our good friends, and we 
will miss them.

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