Jay Rockefeller: “Washington is graced this week by the visit of Madame Chen Wu Sue-Jen, the First Lady of Taiwan and a distinguished…”

“Washington is graced this week by the visit of Madame Chen Wu Sue-Jen, the First Lady of Taiwan and a distinguished humanitarian and advocate for human rights. Mrs. Chen has worked tirelessly to promote human rights and democratization on Taiwan. In tandem with her husband, President Chen Shui-Bien, Mrs. Chen has worked to open up the Taiwanese political system and ensure that the Taiwan Government reflects all its citizens' views and interests. Taiwan's democracy serves as a model to Chinese-speaking people around the world, and as compelling evidence that human rights and democracy are truly universal aspirations. The struggle for democratization is never quick or easy, and in Mrs. Chen's case, it led to very personal sacrifice. When leaving a campaign rally in 1985, she was hit by a vehicle that left her paralyzed from the waist down. While some might view that as a justification to withdraw from public life, in the case of Mrs. Chen, it only reinforced her commitment to public service, and she went on to serve with distinction in Taiwan's legislature.”