[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2004

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan in recognition of the 25th 
anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. I am proud that Taiwan and the 
United States have enjoyed such a strong and durable relationship over 
the last quarter century in part due to our shared democratic values.
  The Taiwan Relations Act has been instrumental in maintaining peace, 
security and stability in the Taiwan Straits and the Western Pacific 
since its enactment in 1979. Today Taiwan is truly an economic success 
story and I am confident that the Bush Administration and our allies in 
the region will remain committed to playing an appropriate supporting 
role in reducing tensions across the straits. I am also hopeful that 
expanded confidence-building exchanges between Beijing and Taipei will 
lessen the likelihood of any potential conflict in the region.
  Under the framework of the Taiwan Relations Act, the Republic of 
China has become a shining example of economic prosperity. Taiwan has 
become the eighth largest U.S. trading partner with total Taiwanese 
exports of US$ 32.2 Billion and imports of US$ 18.4 Billion. Taiwan is 
currently the world's twentieth largest economy with a GDP of US$ 219 
Billion. I believe the United States should continue to expand trade 
opportunities with Taiwan like the recently signed letters of intent 
for Taiwan to increase purchases of Indiana's agricultural products.
  I stand today in strong support of Taiwan's membership in 
international organizations such as the World Health Organization and 
the United Nations. Taiwan is deserving because of its commitment to 
our shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights, peace and 
prosperity.
  Once again, Mr. Speaker, on the historically significant occasion of 
the 25th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, I rise to pay tribute 
to America's relationship with Taiwan, and I call upon this body to 
recommit ourselves to the prospect of peace, freedom and democracy in 
Taiwan for the next twenty-five years and beyond.

                          ____________________