Mr. HILLIARD. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Mr. Chen Shui-bian who will be inaugurated as the tenth president of the Republic of China on May 20th. I am honored to stand before you today in a spirit of freedom and change. President-elect Chen Shui-bian's victory on March 18, 2000, signals a new milestone for Taiwan's history of democratization. His Excellency defeated two other formidable opponents, and for the first time in Chinese history, an opposition party attained real political power from the ruling National Party. Taiwan united and is now clearly a model for reform and promise for most Asian countries.

As Taiwan voters collaborate on a brighter future, reevaluating the past proves a desirable democratization record which must be commended. The United States, and all countries of the free world, should pledge

open support to President Chen Shui-bian, and encourage meaningful discussions of reunification issues in an effort to build better relationships with mainland China.

I congratulate a leader of vision and express my full confidence in Taiwan's President-elect Chen Shui-bian and the people of Taiwan.