[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20560]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


   HONORING THE 91ST NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize and congratulate 
the Republic of China on Taiwan on the occasion of its 91st National 
Day on October 10, 2002.
  Those of us from New York City are mindful that President Chen Shui-
bian lost no time in condemning the horrific attacks of September 11, 
2001 and in offering his country's unequivocal and generous support. 
Following the attacks, President Chen immediately acted to: (1) 
reinforce protection for U.S. personnel and facilities in Taiwan; (2) 
heighten security at airports and harbors; (3) provide government and 
private Taiwanese donations of approximately $20,000,000 for relief 
funds to New York City; (4) initiate a plan to prevent money laundering 
schemes that could benefit terrorists; and (5) increase the exchange of 
intelligence with the U.S.
  New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area are home to 
hundreds of thousands of Americans of Taiwanese descent. We are very 
proud of the Taiwanese heritage of so many of our citizens. Their many 
contributions have made our community a better place in which to live.
  Taiwan is also an economic powerhouse with the 12th largest economy 
in the world and the seventh largest U.S. trading partner. U.S. exports 
to Taiwan make it one of the largest export markets for many states 
including New York.
  The 23 million people of Taiwan enjoy a vibrant democracy and human 
rights. With more than 90 political parties, elections at all levels of 
government are hotly contested through free and fair means. In fact, 
President Chen is a former political dissident himself. Taiwan's 
constitution guarantees its citizens extensive political, personal and 
religious freedoms. Further, President Chen has committed Taiwan to 
many international human rights treaties.
  Finally, as we know from this country's generosity to New York City, 
Taiwan has always been as Secretary Colin Powell noted recently ``a 
generous contributor to the international community.'' Over the years, 
it has sent 10,000 experts to train technicians in developing 
countries. It also has provided direct financial assistance to Kosovo 
and Afghan refugees to name a few.
  October 10 is a time to celebrate a great friend of our country--one 
that shares in our ideals and freedoms. Let us hope that the 
cooperation between our two nations continues to grow even stronger and 
that we will continue to support efforts to bring Taiwan further into 
the community of nations worldwide.

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