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Rep.
Burton's Statement (R-IN)
HON. DAN BURTON of Indiana
in the house of representatives
Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on May 22nd, President Chen Shui-bian of the Republic of China will
be completing his first year of service as Taiwan's head of state, and I would like to take this occasion to
congratulate him and comment on a few of Taiwan's achievements.
For the last two decades, the republic of China on Taiwan has been a major trading partner of the United States.
It has maintained friendly ties and relations with us for the last ninety years. Taiwan is one of the most successful
models of rapid political reform in the entire world. Fifty years ago, Taiwan was a closed authoritarian society
with no freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, or right to vote. Today, Taiwan is a full-fledged democracy.
It is home to more than 90 political parties. Virtually every political office in Taiwan is hotly contested through
free and fair elections. Taiwan believes in free-market economics. Taiwan's economics. Taiwan's economy is so
strong that it offers its people one of the highest standards of living in Asia, universal education, and free
medical care for people of all ages. With respect to U.S.-Taiwan trade, Taiwan is our seventh largest export
market, supporting many jobs for U.S. manufacturers. In addition, U.S. colleges and universities host
more than 10,000 Taiwan students. The U.S. is the number one destination for most of Taiwan travelers.
Lastly, Taiwan and the United states share many common values such as a respect for human rights,
freedom of speech, and democracy.
I would like to offer my congratulations to President Chen and the people of Taiwan. I also would like to
welcome President Chen as he transits New York on his way to Central America. Although his stay in
New York will be brief, his visit is of tremendous importance to all of us Americans who recognize and value
what a great, longstanding friend Taiwan has been to the United States.
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