Rep. Miller (R-CA)

CONGRATULATION ON TAIWAN PRESIDENT 

CHEN SHUI-BIAN'S FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN OFFICE 

 HON. GARY G. MILLER of California

   in the house of representatives

         Thursday, May 17, 2001

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, the people in the Republic of China on Taiwan will be celebrating President Chen Shui-bian's first anniversary in office on May 20, 2001.

President Chen Shui-bian won his presidential election last year and in the last 12 months, he has shown the world his steady leadership at home and abroad. He has continued the social and economic programs of his predecessor and convinced the world of his intention to seek better relations with the Chinese mainland and maintain good relations with allies and friends abroad. He has done an excellent job for the people of Taiwan.

Taiwan has become one of our nation's largest trading partners and continues to grow in that capacity to the benefit of both the people of the United States of America and Taiwan. Trade between the United States and Taiwan totaled $64.9 billion in 2000, up 19.4 percent from 1999. Last year, Taiwan's imports from the United States grew by 27.4 percent to $24.2 billion. It is hard to believe that just fifty years ago, the per capita GNP in Taiwan was $150. Today, Taiwan is the world's 17th largest economy and Taiwan's vigorous trade with foreign countries has given the people of Taiwan a much higher standard of living. The great strides Taiwan has made economically are an admirable tribute to Taiwanese people and their democratic leaders. I particularly thank President Chen Shui-bian in continuing to lead Taiwan in that tradition.

On his first anniversary in office, I wish President Chen Shui-bian every success in leading his country and his people to ever greater economic heights at home and international recognition abroad. Also, I am delighted to seethat as he travels to Central America this month, he will be making a transit stop in New York City. I welcome President Chen to the United States and wish him the best in leading Taiwan in continued prosperity.