Washington, DC- U.S. Congressman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today sent a letter congratulating President-elect Chen Shui-Bian on his election to the presidency of Taiwan in the country's historic second democratic elections.  Brown, a senior Memeber of the International Relations Committee, has met with Chen in both Taipei, and Washington, DC.

"This is a historic moment.  The Taiwanese people have chosen their president in free and fair elections for the second time in  their history," Brown said.  "They refused to bow to Chinese intimidation tactics and allow Beijing to dictate their choice.  I am confident the President-elect will bring prosperity and peace to Taiwan's 23 million people."

The International Relations Committee today passed a resolution congratulating the people of Taiwan for the successful conclusion of their second democratic presidential elections on March 18, 2000.  The resolution recognizes President Lee Teng-hui for his work to extend democracy in Taiwan and strongly supports the incoming administration.  The resolution also expresses the need for China to abandon its threats against Taiwan, including statements made in a recent policy statement warning of a military attack if reunification negotiation are postponed.