[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 48 (Thursday, April 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E662] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO TAIWAN PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN ______ HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND of georgia in the house of representatives Thursday, April 27, 2006 Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian. In early May, he will be making stops in the United States en route to Central and South America. I commend President Chen for his leadership and wisdom in having maintained peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait during the past six years. Despite the People's Republic of China's military buildup along the Taiwanese coast, despite China's passage of the anti-secession legislation last spring and despite China's continuous harsh rhetoric threatening Taiwan's future, President Chen continues to hope for a dialogue with his Chinese counterparts. President Chen wants permanent peace in the Taiwan Strait. President Chen firmly believes in his people's right to maintain a free and democratic way of life. Any solution of the Taiwan question must have the consent and approval of the 23 million people of Taiwan. We must help the 23 million people of Taiwan to determine their own future. First, we must reaffirm our commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act, which stipulates a peaceful solution to the Taiwan issue. In the meantime, let's give our support to Taiwan in its application to be an observer at the World Health Assembly meetings this May. It is my hope that President Chen will be warmly welcomed in the United States. Too often he has been misunderstood. I salute him as a leader who's always put his country and his people first. He is our ``peacekeeper'' in the Taiwan Strait. ____________________