Honoring Ambassador C.J. Chen of Taiwan

HONORING AMBASSADOR C.J. CHEN OF TAIWAN -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 29, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON
OF MISSISSIPPI
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2004

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in bidding a fond farewell to Ambassador C.J. Chen of Taiwan. He will be returning to Taipei next month. During the last four years, he has been the Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Washington, DC.

A great advocate for his country, Ambassador Chen has helped us understand difficult issues such as Taiwan's peace referendum and the just concluded Taiwan presidential elections. At the same time he has helped his people better understand American values and strengthened the relations between Taiwan and the United States.

On Capitol Hill Ambassador Chen, known to many as simply "C.J.," is widely respected. Many of us admire his high intellect and industry as we have been privileged to see the personal depth within this very public man. Indeed, we have been enriched in having had this opportunity to get to know him and his lovely wife, Yolanda Ho.

As Ambassador Chen leaves Washington for Taipei, we can be sure that both our countries shall benefit from his efforts for years to come.

END