[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12713]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2003

  Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Taiwan President 
Chen Shui-bian on his third anniversary in office. Under his 
leadership, Taiwan is now a prosperous democracy respecting human 
rights and civil liberties. In addition, Taiwan and the United States 
enjoy a strong trade relationship. We are Taiwan's number one trading 
partner and Taiwan is our eighth.
  With the recent outbreak of SARS, we see the absolute necessity of 
all countries sharing medical information. Viruses and germs know no 
boundaries. International cooperation and collaboration are vital in 
preventing the further spread of SARS. I therefore hope that Taiwan 
will soon gain observer status in the World Health Assembly this May. 
Taiwan's 23 million people deserve full access to all available 
information about diseases and cures.
  I appreciate Taiwan's efforts in seeking a dialogue with China and 
maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. I hope that China 
will demonstrate its good will by engaging in peaceful talks with the 
people of Taiwan about the island's future political status.
  I hope that the longstanding friendship between our two democracies 
continues to blossom and strengthen in the years ahead. Congratulations 
to the people of Taiwan and President Chen.

                          ____________________