[Congressional Record: October 10, 2000 (Extensions)]

A TRIBUTE TO THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN

HON. PETER T. KING

of New York

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, October 10, 2000

Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the enormous strides that Taiwan has made in becoming a full democracy. Mr. Chen Shui-bian was recently elected president through free and fair elections. With Mr. Chen's election, Taiwan continues to refine its democracy by improving safeguards for human rights and contributing to the international community.

Unfortunately, Taiwan's efforts to participate in international organizations have often been thwarted for political reasons beyond Taiwan's control. It is unreasonable for the people of Taiwan to be excluded from full participation in international institutions due to threats from mainland China. Denying Taiwan membership in the United Nations and other international organizations, such as the World Health Organization, obstructs access to important international resources.

The people of Taiwan have proven that freedom and democracy are not just American ideals; they are universal principles that apply to every individual, to every community and every nation.