[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 31, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE 25TH YEAR OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 31, 2004

  Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress and friends of 
Taiwan get ready to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Taiwan 
Relations Act, I rise to express my continued support for friendship 
between America and the Republic of China on Taiwan. Despite the 
regrettable fact that our two nations no longer enjoy formal diplomatic 
relations, the U.S. and the Republic of China on Taiwan have remained 
strong allies for the better part of a century.
  Much of this strong relationship is based on the Taiwan Relations 
Act, which has been instrumental in maintaining peace, security and 
stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Western Pacific since its 
enactment in 1979. Over the last quarter century, the Republic of China 
on Taiwan has built a strong economy and a healthy, vibrant and fully 
functioning multi-party democracy, conducting free elections at all 
levels, including the recent and razor-thin reelection of incumbent 
President Chen Shui-Bian.
  The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act viewed Taiwan's membership in 
international organizations as conducive to Taiwan's stability and 
economic prosperity. Over the years, the U.S. has continued to support 
the participation of Taiwan in international affairs, its accession to 
the World Trade Organization and the ROC's ongoing efforts to become an 
observer in the World Health Organization. I believe Taiwan's active 
participation and contributions to these and all international 
organizations will be beneficial not just to the people of Taiwan but 
to the international community at large.
  Mr. Speaker, the last 25 years under the framework of the TRA have 
been positive for both the Republic of China on Taiwan and the United 
States. The Taiwan Relations Act has helped to maintain stability and 
security for the people of the United States, the people of Taiwan and 
for those in neighboring countries.
  Maintaining and enhancing the close strategic, commercial and 
military cooperation between the United States and the Republic of 
China on Taiwan have been of critical importance for the last 25 years 
and will remain so in the future, in large part thanks to the TRA.

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