Rep. Chambliss' Statement (R-GA)

TAIWAN CELEBRATES PRESIDENTIAL ANNIVERSARY

in the house of representatives

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, a year ago, Mr. Chen Shui-bian, a former mayor of Taipei, captured the

imagination of Taiwan voters and won Taiwan's presidency. Twelve months later, Mr. Chen has impressed the 

world with his leadership. At home, Chen has continued to push for greater democratic rights and accelerated 

economic reforms, especially banking reform. He has pledged to make his people and the world proud of 

Taiwan's human rights record and to do everything possible to stimulate Taiwan's domestic economy. In addition

President Chen has announced on a number of occasions how he will try his best to conduct meaningful dialogues 

with Mainland Chinese leaders, hoping to achieve eventual reunification with the mainland.

Mr. Speaker, Taiwan is an open, free and democratic country, home to over 93 political parties, and virtually 

every level of public office in Taiwan is vigorously contested through free and fair elections. Most important of all,

Taiwan is our friend and one of our most important trading partners. We wish Taiwan well, and its President 

good luck and good fortune on the eve of his first anniversary in office. We welcome President Chen to the U.S.

and wish him the best.