[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21915]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 2008

  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to 
celebrate with the people of the Republic of China on Taiwan on the 
occasion of their ``National Day.''
  On October 10, the people of the Republic of China on Taiwan will 
celebrate their 97th National Day and remember the uprising that 
started China on the path toward freedom and democracy. In the 97 years 
since their revolution, the Republic of China, on Taiwan since 1949, 
has become a strong democracy and trusted friend to the United States.
  As our 8th largest trading partner and member of the World Trade 
Organization, the Republic of China on Taiwan has achieved a 
flourishing market-based economy and one of the highest standards of 
living in the world. I appreciate the contributions of the Republic of 
China on Taiwan to the freedom and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific 
region, and I look forward to the continued cooperation between the 
United States and the Republic of China on Taiwan.
  As the people of the Republic of China on Taiwan celebrate their 
National Day, it is my privilege, honor and pleasure to join with my 
colleagues in congratulating and confirming our mutual commitment to 
the democratic ideals of freedom of speech, the Rule of Law, and free 
and fair elections.

                          ____________________