[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23462]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN ON THEIR NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, Taiwan will be celebrating its National 
Day on October 10, 2004. On this happy occasion, I join my constituents 
in wishing Taiwan the best in its endeavors.
  This past September I had the opportunity to meet with Taiwan 
President Chen Shui-bian in Seattle. He was returning to Taiwan from a 
trip to Central America. I was impressed by his sincerity in seeking an 
early dialogue with China and maintaining peace and stability in the 
Taiwan Strait. Mr. Speaker, peace in the Taiwan Strait is vital to the 
political development and economic prosperity in the Asia-Pacific 
region as a whole.
  In past years, Taiwan and the United States have been friends and 
allies. In times of turmoil, both have come to each other's aid. I 
appreciate Taiwan's efforts and actions to protect U.S. citizens in 
Taiwan after 9/11 and Taiwan's cooperation with U.S. intelligence 
agencies in combating global terrorist activities. I am also aware of 
Taiwan's support for the reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan. Taiwan 
is our friend and deserves our support.
  The future of Taiwan-U.S. relations is brighter than ever. With the 
appointment of Dr. David Lee as Taiwan's chief representative in the 
United States, I look forward to working closely with Dr. Lee on issues 
of mutual importance.
  Congratulations to Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian and the people of 
Taiwan on their National Day.

                          ____________________