[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23468]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. DEBORAH PRYCE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, Taiwan will celebrate its National 
Day on October 10, 2004, and I wish to salute their many 
accomplishments.
  Even though Taiwan is a small island with few natural resources, 
there is no question that it has prospered. With one of the world's 
largest foreign exchange reserves, Taiwan's 23 million people enjoy one 
of the highest standards of living in the world. Taiwan President Chen 
Shui-bian has made clear his belief that every citizen ought to enjoy 
the right to work, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and 
religion, the right to an education, the right to participate in 
elections, and the right to social security in the event of 
unemployment, illness and disability. Also President Chen has promoted 
efforts to protect the rights of women, children, the elderly and the 
indigenous people, laborers and soldiers. It is evident that President 
Chen is committed to improving the lives of his people.
  Although Taiwan and the United States do not have formal diplomatic 
ties, our people are closely connected. Taiwan is our eighth largest 
trading partner, thus providing many jobs for our manufacturers. In 
addition, more than 30,000 Taiwan students study at U.S. colleges and 
universities, and the United States is the number one destination for 
most of Taiwan travelers. The U.S. and Taiwan share many values in 
common such as a commitment to freedom, democracy and human rights.
  I am pleased to congratulate our friends in Taiwan on this special 
day, and hope for their continued success and progress in the future.

                          ____________________