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Rep. Walden's
Statement (R-OR)
TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN OF TAIWAN
HON. GREG WALDEN of Oregon
in the house of representatives
Mr.
WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, President Chen Shui-bian
of the Republic of China will be completing his first year
of service as Taiwan's head of state this May 20, and I
would like to congratulate him and commenton a few of Taiwan's
achievements.
First,
the Republic of China on Taiwan is a major trading partner
of the United States and has maintained friendlyties and
relations with us for the last ninety years. Second, over
recent decades, Taiwan has become a successfulmodel of political
reform. Fifty years ago, Taiwan was a closed and authoritarian
society with neither freedom of speech nor freedom of assembly.
Taiwan did not have elections. Today, Taiwan has become
a true democracy.It is the home to more than 90 political
parties and virtually every political office in Taiwan is
hotly contestedthrough free and fair elections. Third, Taiwan
subscribes to the private enterprise system. Taiwan's economy
is vibrant and it offers its people one of the highest standards
of living in Asia, including universal education and free
medical care of people of all ages in Taiwan. Fourth, in
terms of its trading relations with us, Taiwan represents
our seventh largest export market, thus providing many jobs
for our manufacturers. Fifth, in addition to trade relations,
more than 30,000 Taiwan students are studying at U.S. colleges
and universities. Sixth, the U.S. is the number one destination
for most of Taiwan's travelers. Seventh, and last but not
least, Taiwan and the U.S.
share many values in common such as attachment to human
rights, freedom and democracy.
Congratulations
to Taiwan. I would also like to extend my sincerest welcome
to President Chen during his visit toAmerica. He will be
stopping in New York on his way to Central America later
this month. His stay in New Yorkwill be brief, but I hope
he enjoys his stay and I wish him success during his official
visit in Central America.
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