[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23454]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATING TAIWAN ON ITS NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, October 10 marks the National 
Day of Taiwan, and I rise today in support and to congratulate this 
beacon of democracy and freedom.
  Taiwan has much to celebrate this National Day. It is a vibrant 
democracy where individual freedom is given the appreciation it 
certainly deserves. It is undeniable that Taiwan has moved rapidly 
toward full democracy. Elections for important posts in the government 
are held regularly, political parties have reached an established level 
of maturity, and people actively participate in the democratic process. 
Taiwanese citizens have a greater control over affairs of state than 
ever before.
  There are so many throughout the international community who 
sincerely appreciate the political aspirations of Taiwan. Taiwan stands 
like an obelisk of democracy and hope in the South China Sea. 
Unfortunately, so many throughout the world have never fully benefited 
from all that Taiwan has to offer. For example, many of the medical 
advancements made by Taiwanese doctors and scientists have not been 
shared with the world because Taiwan lacks WHO membership. Taiwan 
enjoys one of the highest life expectancy rates in Asia, has relatively 
low infant and maternal mortality rates, and has eradicated major 
infectious diseases such as cholera, smallpox, and polio. Additionally, 
Taiwan's government was the first in the world to provide children with 
free hepatitis B vaccinations. The successes of Taiwan's medical 
experts must no longer remain locked in a chamber of politics, and 
access to these ideas must be extended to all countries.
  The international community must recognize that each country in the 
world will benefit multi-fold from Taiwan's inclusion in the WHO, even 
if it is just as an observer. Until then, individuals in need of 
medical assistance throughout the world will not fully benefit from the 
wonderful advancements Taiwan has made in the field of medicine.
  Mr. Speaker, health has no borders, and certainly neither does 
disease. Providing Taiwan with observer status in the WHO is long 
overdue. Taiwan is one of the most dramatic success stories of Asia. I 
join the people of Taiwan as they celebrate their National Day, and may 
America's support for the people of Taiwan be everlasting.

                          ____________________