[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 22736-22737]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   A STATEMENT ON TAIWAN NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 2005

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of 
Taiwan on the occasion of National Day on October 10.
  The Republic of China (Taiwan) is our ally in the Pacific. Although 
it is a small island nation, it has a growing and progressive economy, 
providing its citizens with quality education, health care and 
affordable housing. In a recent survey conducted by the Geneva-based 
World Economic Forum, Taiwan was ranked first in Asia and fifth in the 
world in terms of growth competitiveness. With its well-educated 
population, Taiwan is an ideal training ground and place for business 
entrepreneurship. Much of Taiwan's economic prowess is directly 
attributable to Taiwan's political system.
  A vibrant democracy, Taiwan's history of democratization is an 
important example of how other countries can change. In 2 decades 
Taiwan has peacefully transformed its political system, from 
authoritarian to democratic government, providing a role model for 
other non-democratic political governments in Asia. In view of China's 
growing military strength and intentions, the best way to safeguard 
Asia's permanent peace and prosperity is to have all Asian countries 
join forces with other democratic countries in the world to form a 
global community of democracies. In the meantime, we hope democracy 
will take roots in China. Taiwan's successful democratic experience 
proves that democracy can indeed thrive on Chinese soil.
  We also hope that in the months and years ahead, Taiwan and China 
will reach a rapprochement of sorts. Taiwan has made efforts to expand 
cross-strait exchanges in the fields of journalism, information 
exchange, education, culture and trade in endeavoring to foster mutual 
trust. Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has adopted a policy of 
reconciliation and goodwill toward China. I hope Taiwan President Chen 
Shui-bian and PRC President Hu Jintao will soon meet and discuss cross-
strait issues. A unified China under the principles of freedom, 
democracy and prosperity is the dream of all peace-loving people.
  Again, congratulations to the people of the Republic of China on 
their National Day.

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