Sherrod Brown: “Mr. Speaker, the election of the Democratic Progressive Party's Chen Shui-bian and Annette Lu is truly an historic event…”

“Mr. Speaker, the election of the Democratic Progressive Party's Chen Shui-bian and Annette Lu is truly an historic event with profound and moving implications for Taiwan's people. The race was more than a race between and among candidates. It was a race between the people of Taiwan and the Beijing leadership. Despite Beijing's protests, despite even its threats, this election signified the long-standing commitment of Taiwan to democratic ideals. I would like to extend my congratulations to the people of Taiwan in their success in conducting a free and a fair election. On March 15, only three days before the election, the premier of the People's Republic of China, Zhu Rongji, held a news conference which intensified China's threats of violence if Taiwan were to elect a pro-independence candidate and move away from the People's Republic of China 'one China' policy. This act was only the latest demonstration of China's attempts to corrupt the Taiwanese democratic process. But as a sign of desire for political change and faith in democracy, the voters of Taiwan overcame any fears of foreign threats and elected a candidate they felt would best lead Taiwan into the 21st century. I applaud President-elect Chen's immediate overtures to improve the situation with China.”