[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6694]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TAIWAN'S PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Madam President, January 14, 2012, marked Taiwan's 
fifth direct Presidential election, and on May 20, President Ma Ying-
jeou will be sworn in for his second and final term as the leader of 
our friend and ally Taiwan. I would like to congratulate President Ma 
on his reelection, and I would also like to congratulate Taiwan for its 
commitment to democracy.
  Since the island's first Presidential elections in 1996, the people 
and Government of Taiwan have enthusiastically embraced democratic 
values and ideals. From extremely high rates of voter participation in 
elections to public and open political discourse and debate, signs of a 
vibrant democracy can be seen throughout Taiwan's society.
  The January elections proved a continuation of Taiwan's commitment to 
a democratic form of government, and President Ma's reelection 
demonstrates the faith the people of Taiwan have in his leadership. I 
therefore close by urging all my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating President Ma on his second inauguration and Taiwan's 
people for their embrace of democracy. I look forward to continuing to 
work to advance the strong relationship between Taiwan and the United 
States and our common goals and interests.

                          ____________________