[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 78 (Wednesday, May 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PRESIDENT MA OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to comment on the remarkable 
achievements of the government of Taiwan in moving forward a new era of 
peace in the Pacific.
  One year ago, the new President of Taiwan took office amid increasing 
tensions between China and Taiwan. Today, because of the initiatives of 
President Ma ying jo, Cross Straits relations have improved to such an 
extent that they have now produced a series of agreements to enhance 
mutual cooperation between Taiwan and China.
  For too long Taiwan, opposed by China, has been excluded from the 
World Health Organization. As a result of the conciliatory efforts of 
President Ma and the recognition by authorities in China of the need to 
have Taiwan represented, Taiwan now has achieved status by the World 
Health Assembly. Good work President Ma. With the new health crisis the 
world faces with Swine Flu, politics must not impede mutual cooperation 
in combating this dreadful problem.
  Increased communications, charter flights and postal agreements 
negotiated through the initiatives promoted by President Ma in his 
first year in office have lessened tensions to the extent that day to 
day contacts have replaced confrontation.
  It is in the interest of the United States that this progress, which 
we understand is the hallmark of President Ma, continue. Peace in the 
Pacific is an essential ingredient of world progress.
  Good luck Mr. President. May the successes of your first year in 
office be the forerunner of many years to come.

                          ____________________