[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 24086-24087]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO TAIWAN PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, last week I had the opportunity of 
visiting Taiwan, the Republic of China and I was very impressed with

[[Page 24087]]

what I saw. Taiwan has clearly grown to be a modern democracy and its 
people are well educated and prosperous. The people whom I talked to 
were all friendly toward us and supportive of our global war against 
terrorism.
  In fact, I was most impressed with Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian. 
This young statesman was reelected president of the Republic of China 
last March and was inaugurated on May 20. In my conversation with him, 
he said again and again that he is seeking a genuine dialogue with the 
leaders of the People's Republic of China. He said Taiwan does not seek 
confrontation but a friendly dialogue with mainland China leading to 
talks on all issues. President Chen would like to see more cooperation 
and less confrontation in dealing with mainland China leaders. In 
addition to its ``relationship'' with mainland China, President Chen 
considers Taiwan's relations with the U.S. a matter of utmost 
importance and he would like to see further strengthening of this 
relationship. I personally believe that Taiwanese people are truly 
lucky to have President Chen as their leader for the next four years.
  I am delighted that Taiwan is now ably represented in Washington by 
its young and energetic ambassador, Dr. David Lee. Ambassador Lee knows 
Washington well and he will most certainly strengthen the ever-growing 
bonds between Taipei and Washington. Taiwan and the United States,. I 
wish to assure both President Chen and Ambassador Lee, have always 
stood together shoulder to shoulder and will always remain strong 
partners in maintaining peace and stability.
  I had a good visit to Taiwan and I hope my colleagues and my fellow 
countrymen will follow my steps in visiting this beautiful island of 
freedom and prosperity soon and often.

                          ____________________