U.S. Dept. of State - IIP: The United States and China

Text: Senators Offer Resolution Welcoming Chen Shui-bian to U.S.
(S. Res. 89 cites Taiwan's friendship and democracy)

Senator Robert Torricelli (Democrat of New Jersey) introduced Senate Resolution 89 in the Senate May 15 welcoming Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian to the United States.

The resolution, similar to one that passed in the House of Representatives May 17, was referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Chen arrived in the United States May 21 for a transit stop on the way to visiting countries in Latin America.

SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
Senate
May 15, 2001
SENATE RESOLUTION 89

EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE WELCOMING TAIWAN'S PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN TO THE UNITED STATES

Mr. TORRICELLI (for himself, Mr. HELMS, and Mr. MURKOWSKI) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Whereas for more than 50 years a close relationship has existed between the United States and Taiwan which has been of enormous economic, cultural, and strategic advantage to both countries;

Whereas the United States and Taiwan share common ideals and a vision for the 21st century, where freedom and democracy are the strongest foundations for peace and prosperity;

Whereas Taiwan has demonstrated an improved record on human rights and a commitment to the democratic ideals of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and free and fair elections routinely held in a multiparty system, as evidenced by the election on March 18, 2000, of Mr. Chen Shui-bian as Taiwan's new president; and

Whereas the upcoming May 21 visit to the United States of Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian is another significant step in the broadening of relations between the United States and Taiwan: Now, therefore, be it

(1) warmly welcomes Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian upon his visit to the United States;

(2) requests president Chen Shui-bian to communicate to the people of Taiwan the support of the United States Congress and of the American people; and

(3) recognizes that the visit of Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian to the United States is a significant step towards broadening and deepening the friendship and cooperation between the United States and Taiwan.

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)