[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22035]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 CONGRATULATING THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN ON THE CELEBRATION OF 
                            ITS NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ANTHONY D. WEINER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 10, 2000

  Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, the Republic of China on Taiwan will be 
celebrating its National Day on October 10, 2000. Taiwan has many 
notable achievements, both economic and political. Today, Taiwan is an 
economic powerhouse, ranking 25th in the world in terms of per capita 
income and 19th in terms of GNP, impressive economic statistics for an 
island with only 22 million people. Politically, Taiwan has evolved 
from a closed society to a full-fledged democracy in less than a 
decade. In March of this year, ROC citizens freely elected Chen Shui-
bian as their President. For the first time in 89 years, the ROC had a 
non-Kuo Min Tang candidate as head of state.
  Taiwan's accomplishments are due to the hard work of its leaders and 
its people. I am certain the leaders and people of Taiwan will reach 
even greater economic and political heights in the months and years 
ahead.
  As Taiwan prepares to celebrate its National Day, let me also take 
this opportunity to express my best wishes to the Republic of China's 
new representative in Washington, Ambassador C.J. Chen. Ambassador Chen 
began his duties here in Washington just two months ago. I am hopeful 
he will further strengthen the already secure bonds of friendship 
between the United States Congress and the people of Taiwan.

                          ____________________