[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      COMMEMORATING THE 99TH NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the National Day of the Republic of China also known as 
Taiwan's National Day. October 10, 2010 marks the 99th anniversary of 
the establishment of the Republic of China and commemorates the 1911 
Wuch'ang uprising ultimately leading to the collapse of the Qing 
dynasty. This day is also known as the ``Double Ten'' Day where 23 
million people in the Republic of China along with Taiwanese from 
across the world celebrate their new-found democracy.
  In recent months Taiwan has experienced a number of achievements, 
including the signing of an Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement 
with mainland China and participating as an observer in the World 
Health Organization's annual meetings in Geneva. Currently, Taiwan is 
requesting that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 
consider accepting Taiwan as an observer in the organization as Taiwan 
is a major international hub connecting Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, 
and North America. Each year, over 1.54 million flights pass through 
the Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR) and it would be beneficial 
for ICAO. The safety and security of each passenger is of paramount 
importance to everyone concerned. Yet Taiwan is excluded from the 
activities of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to 
consider opportunities where Taiwan can participate in the Multilateral 
``public key directory'' (PKD) consultations.
  As a fellow democratic ally of the United States, we must further 
support and encourage Taiwan's growing global participation. Again, I 
wish the people of Taiwan everywhere a blessed day of celebration and 
reflection.

                          ____________________