[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22034]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 22034]]

                   CELEBRATING TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 10, 2000

  Mr. LARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Republic of 
China on Taiwan, which celebrates its birthday today. Taiwan has much 
to celebrate. It is a modern country led by a democratically-elected 
President, Mr. Chen Shui-bian. President Chen was elected on March 18, 
2000, and this free and fair election resulted in the peaceful transfer 
of power from the ruling Kuomintang Party (KMT) to the more progressive 
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). This election demonstrated to the 
world that Taiwan is democratic and is worthy of the respect it has 
received from democratic nations.
  In addition to the freedom to select their government leaders, the 
people of Taiwan can also celebrate their other freedoms, such as the 
freedom of religion and the freedom of speech. I believe that the 
freedom and democracy in Taiwan set an example for other nations in the 
area to follow.
  The people of Taiwan can also celebrate their stunning economic 
success. Taiwan is the nineteenth largest economy in the world and is 
the United State's eight largest trading partner. This economic 
achievement has given the people of Taiwan the twenty-fifth highest per 
capita gross national product (GDP) in the world and one of the highest 
living standards in Asia and the world. In recent years, Taiwan has led 
most Asian nations in its production of computers, chips, and telecom 
equipment and has contributed mightily to the worldwide high technology 
boom.
  Mr. Speaker, let me say again that Taiwan has a lot to celebrate 
today. On the occasion of Republic of China's National Day, it is 
important to remember that the United States has a strong relationship 
with Taiwan and its people. We share a mutual respect for democracy and 
freedom, as well as a strong economic bond, and I hope that this 
relationship will continue to flourish in the year to come.

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