[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18720]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    IN SUPPORT OF THE UNITED STATES

  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I am grateful to President Chen Shui-bian 
and Ambassador C.J. Chen of the Republic of China on Taiwan for their 
support of the United States in the aftermath of the September 11 
attacks on New York and Washington.
  Taiwan was one of the first countries to declare its unequivocal 
support and cooperation with the United States, and deserves our 
gratitude for its firm stand with us.
  In offering us whatever we need to combat worldwide terrorism, Taiwan 
has demonstrated its unity with America during our time of grief. 
During this period of turmoil and anxiety, I remind my colleagues that 
Taiwan will mark its National Day on October 10.
  In recent years Taiwan has sought to return to the United Nations. I 
believe we should give Taiwan our support. The Republic of China on 
Taiwan is a democracy guaranteeing rights to all its citizens; it is 
one of the most important economic entities in the world; and despite 
its small population, 23 million people, Taiwan has financial resources 
surpassing those of many western countries.
  Sadly, the international community accords Taiwan less recognition 
than many other non-state entities, including the terrorist Palestine 
Liberation Organization.
  As the people of Taiwan, the East Asian region's leading free market 
democracy, celebrate their National Day on October 10, we should 
commend them for their successes and encourage other nations to support 
Taiwan's participation and membership in international organizations.

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