[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 77 (Tuesday, May 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TAIWAN PRESIDENT MA YING-JEOU'S FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF HIS INAUGURATION

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2009

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, Taiwan's President Ma Ying-
jeou will mark his first year anniversary in office on May 20, 2009.
  Under President Ma's leadership, Taiwan has become an observer at the 
World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland. By enabling Taiwan 
to participate in this part of the World Health Organization (WHO), the 
health of 23 million Taiwanese people can benefit from what will be 
learned at the WHA. Historically, China has blocked Taiwan's access to 
this very important forum, and through President Ma's effective 
diplomacy, Taiwan has ended a 38 year absence from the WHA.
  Madam Speaker, President Ma has also taken great strides in improving 
Taiwan's relationship with China. Taiwan and China now have direct 
flights back and forth to each country. This was unheard of before 
President Ma took office and travelers were previously required to make 
an inconvenient stop at another airport and switch planes before these 
direct flights were available.
  Furthermore, China has given Taiwan two of its prized Pandas. Pandas 
are extremely rare and very important to the Chinese culture, and the 
amicable trade between the two countries is a positive indication for 
building a cordial relationship between the two nations. These and 
other efforts by President Ma are helping the two neighbors enter a 
time of peace, security and stability.
  Madam Speaker, the United States and Taiwan continue to share a 
strong bilateral relationship. As a member of the Congressional Taiwan 
Caucus, I congratulate President Ma on a very successful first year in 
office and look forward to continuing to work in making sure that our 
relations are preserved and strengthened.

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