[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 44 (Wednesday, April 20, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______


                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 1994

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge that this month 
marks the 15th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act.
  In 1979, the United States concluded it could no longer 
diplomatically ignore the 1 billion Chinese living on the mainland. 
However, our Government also knew that it could not forget the 
democratic government residing on Taiwan. Therefore, on August 20, 
1979, President Carter signed into law the Taiwan Relations Act, which 
the Congress overwhelmingly approved. In doing so, our Government put 
in place a legal mechanism to ensure that Taiwan would continue to 
prosper and grow; and that the United States will play a key role in 
that development.
  Mr. Speaker, looking back over the past 15 years, it is clear that 
the Taiwan Relations Act has been a remarkable success. Taiwan, an 
island of 21 million people has blossomed into our sixth largest 
trading partner. It is the world's largest holder of foreign reserves, 
and it has moved beyond a low-wage labor-intensive economy to a 
technologically advanced economic engine which is on the cutting edge 
of economic development.
  Mr. Speaker, an important aspect of the Taiwan Relations Act was the 
creation of the Coordination Council for North American Affairs, which 
is headquartered here in Washington, DC, and has offices throughout the 
United States. The CCNAA has been the source of information, dialog, 
and exchange. In particular, I want to take the opportunity to commend 
Ambassador Mou Shih Ding and his able staff on the excellent work they 
have done here in Washington. Through the fine efforts of the CCNAA, we 
are assured that this important relationship, which is anchored in the 
Taiwan Relations Act, will continue to strengthen.

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