[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23415]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                         TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 2004

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Taiwan's 
National Day, which will be celebrated on October 10, 2004. People in 
the United States and around the world have always marveled at the 
modern miracle that is Taiwan and the enormous political and economic 
successes that it has achieved. As we approach Taiwan's National Day, 
it only seems appropriate that we congratulate our Taiwanese friends on 
their many successes.
  In just 50 years, Taiwan has transformed from a poor authoritarian 
dictatorship into a vibrant modern democracy. Last March, Mr. Chen 
Shui-bian was re-elected the eleventh president of the Republic of 
China. This was the third democratically-held election for the people 
of Taiwan. A firm believer in the free enterprise system and the 
importance of democratic governance, President Chen's leadership has 
enabled his people to enjoy one of the highest standards of living in 
Asia, with only 1 percent of its population remaining below the poverty 
line in 2000. Taiwan has also continued to make steady progress at 
expanding democracy in this republic: it currently has more than 95 
political parties and a Constitution that guarantees its citizens full 
political rights, including the freedom of speech and the freedom of 
assembly.
  Taiwan is a strong ally of the United States. It has unequivocally 
supported the U.S.-led war against global terrorism and the U.S. war in 
Iraq. And we, in turn, have given Taiwan our pledge that Taiwanese way 
of life should not be threatened by any outside forces. This strong 
mutual relationship is manifested in many ways. Taiwan is our eighth 
largest trading partner. The Taiwanese people continue to demand a 
variety of U.S. exports and consistently choose the United States as 
their number one travel destination. In fact, every year thousands of 
Taiwanese people come to my own state, New Jersey, for vacations as 
well as for business purposes. I am confident that the strong 
relationship between the United States and Taiwan will continue to grow 
stronger in the years ahead.
  On the occasion of Taiwan's forthcoming National Day, I wish to 
recognize Taiwan's many economic and political achievements and express 
my congratulations to President Chen Shui-bian and to the Taiwanese 
Ambassador to the U.S., Mr. David Lee.

                          ____________________