William Helms: “I extend my warmest welcome to the First Lady of Taiwan, Chen Wu Sue-jen, wife of President Chen Shui-bian, who is in…”

“I extend my warmest welcome to the First Lady of Taiwan, Chen Wu Sue-jen, wife of President Chen Shui-bian, who is in Washington this week to visit with some of her and her husband's many friends here. I am among the many admirers of President Chen. He is a courageous leader of his country at a very difficult time. The courage of his wife has earned for her great respect. In 1985, while supporting one of her husband's campaigns, Mrs. Chen Wu was hit by a vehicle that left her paralyzed from the waist down. That regrettable episode, believed by many to have been politically motivated, left this dear lady permanently confined to a wheelchair. The following year when her husband was imprisoned by his political foes, Mrs. Chen Wu sought election on his behalf for a seat in the national legislature. She won and served in the legislature in spite of her serious injury. This courageous lady thereby kept Chen Shui-bian's political cause in the public eye. Both before and after these events in their lives, Mrs. Chen Wu provided indispensable encouragement and support as Chen Shui-bian progressed from legislator to Taipei Mayor to President. He has called his wife his 'most important source of strength.' First Lady Chen Wu Sue-jen was instrumental in building Taiwan's early, unequivocal and generous support for the United States and American people following the attacks on September 11, 2001.”