[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25292]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                  CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 20, 2003

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the national day of the 
Republic of China on Taiwan, I extend to the government and people my 
warmest congratulations and best wishes on this important occasion.
  Mr. Speaker, over the past half century Taiwan has become an outpost 
of democracy in East Asia, and its business community has created a 
robust and innovative economy. Taiwan's political and economic 
development is a shining example of East Asia's extraordinary 
potential.
  Under outstanding leaders, Taiwan has shown the desire and the 
ability to play an increasingly important role on the international 
stage. As my colleagues know, I have strongly supported the vigorous 
participation of the government and people of Taiwan in the 
international community. I support and encourage Taiwan to continue to 
work for full participation in international organizations such as the 
World Health Organization and other United Nations institutions.
  Mr. Speaker, during over fifty years of cooperation between the 
United States and Taiwan, we have become valuable allies and friends. 
In recent years Taiwan has proven to be a consistent champion of human 
rights, environmental responsibility, and democracy. I particularly 
applaud Taiwan for its support of the United States in our war against 
global terrorism and for Taiwan's pledge of humanitarian assistance to 
Afghanistan and Iraq.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate our friends, the people of Taiwan and the 
government of the Republic of China on Taiwan on this national day. We 
all wish them a future of continued prosperity, peace, freedom, and 
democracy.

                          ____________________