[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23461]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN ON ITS NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LINDER

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the people of 
the Republic of China on Taiwan on the occasion of its forthcoming 
National Day. This day commemorates the Wuchang Uprising on October 10, 
1911, which led to the downfall of the Qing dynasty and the 
establishment of the Republic of China on January 1, 1912. The day is 
celebrated in Taiwan with parades, festivities, and fireworks displays 
throughout the island.
  Over the past 93 years, Taiwan has increasingly become more 
democratic. Its 2004 presidential election is a testament to this fact. 
More than 80 percent of eligible Taiwan voters turned out to 
participate in a free and fair selection of the next Taiwanese 
President. This commitment to democracy is consistent with the deeply-
held values of the American people.
  The alliance between the people of Taiwan and the United States is of 
great importance. Taiwan is one of our largest trading partners and is 
a valued ally and friend. I wish the Taiwanese people well as they 
celebrate their National Day, and I am hopeful that the U.S.-Taiwanese 
relationship will continue to develop well into the future. Taiwan is 
truly a success story for democracy in Asia and around the world.

                          ____________________