[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11143]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2003

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, three years ago, Mr. Chen Shui-bian was 
democratically elected President of the Republic of China on Taiwan. 
His election by the people of that island showed the world that 
democracy was alive and well and could easily thrive in a Chinese 
society like Taiwan.
  During the last three years, President Chen and the people of Taiwan 
continue the practice of democracy in their country. Today Taiwan has 
free elections at every level, a free press, and the highest regard for 
human rights. Taiwan has set a good example for neighboring Asian 
nations, and other countries around the world, to follow.
  President Chen has, on many occasions, stressed that Taiwan and 
neighboring countries must work together to discuss issues of mutual 
interests. Any progress toward improved relationships between nations 
along the Pacific Rim must ensure the interests of the 23 million 
people living in the Republic of China.
  I have enjoyed working with Taiwan's Representative in Washington, 
Ambassador C.J. Chen. He and his aides do a good job of informing 
Congress of developments in Taiwan.
  As the people of Taiwan prepare to celebrate their president's third 
anniversary in office, I hope Taiwan will find success in gaining 
observer status at the World Health Organization this May. As the 
outbreak of SARS threatens Asia and the world, Taiwan should be 
included in World Health Organization activities.
  Secretary of State Colin Powell recently said, ``infectious disease . 
. . requires an effective and coordinated response at local, national 
and international levels.'' SARS is a harsh reminder to the world that 
diseases know no border, and we must have an effective international 
coalition to combat SARS, and other infectious diseases we have yet to 
discover.
  Taiwan has been affected by SARS; it is only right to include them in 
the global campaign against it.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the people of Taiwan for 
their continuing experiment with democracy. As we have noted before: in 
a democracy, it is not the first election that defines a democracy . . 
. it is all those that follow.

                          ____________________