[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4712]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            TAIWAN ELECTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2008

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Taiwan for 
having successfully completed its 4th direct presidential election on 
March 22, 2008. Dr. Ma Ying-jeou, a Harvard-educated attorney and 
former mayor of Taipei, won with a convincing margin. I wish President-
elect Ma and the people of Taiwan good luck in the next 4 years, along 
with continuing economic success and meaningful political reforms.
  Since President-elect Ma's victory on March 22, he has made many 
gestures of good will, which include encouraging Beijing to start 
meaningful dialogue between Taiwan and Chinese mainland on the issues 
separating them. It is my sincere hope that both Taipei and Beijing 
will soon resume dialogue on the issues of mutual interest, leading to 
the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Also, President-
elect Ma has indicated his willingness to strengthen Taiwan's good 
relations with the United States. I hope that he will be able to visit 
Washington before his inauguration on May 20. Even though our two 
countries do not have official ties, our ties are strong and growing. 
The issues between us and Taiwan include our defense commitments to 
Taiwan, trade with Taiwan, our support of Taiwan's participation in 
international affairs, and lifting of outdated restrictions imposed on 
high-ranking officials from Taiwan to visit the United States. As our 
friend, Taiwan wants to see us fully committed to the letter and spirit 
of the Taiwan Relations Act, enacted on April 10, 1979.
  Again, my best wishes to President-elect Ma and the people of Taiwan. 
And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________