[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF TAIWAN'S STRAITS EXCHANGE FOUNDATION

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                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 2011

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, on March 9, 2011, we celebrate the 20th 
anniversary of Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF). This 
Foundation was established as a vehicle to allow Taiwan and mainland 
China to work together on business matters, and other related issues.
  Twenty years ago, when the Straits Exchange Foundation was formed, 
there was a great deal of tension between China and Taiwan. Flash 
forward to present day and the relationship between the two neighbors 
across the Taiwan Strait has improved dramatically.
  These improved relations since President Ma Ying-jeou took office are 
most evident in The Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) 
that was signed between China and Taiwan in 2010, and allows for 
greater trade and commercial exchanges between the two countries.
  Other significant agreements signed between Taiwan and China include: 
Direct Air and Sea Transport Agreements, which facilitate the free flow 
of people, goods and trade; Judicial Cooperation Agreement, by which 
the two sides agree to exchange law enforcement information to combat 
crime; Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Protection and Cooperation 
Agreement, which allows for better enforcement of IPR laws; plus an 
agreement to allow tourists from China to visit Taiwan. All these 
agreements and measures have resulted in increased trade flow, more 
cultural and tourism exchanges, and most of all, reduced tension along 
the Taiwan Strait.
  While the Straits Exchange Foundation has improved the means of 
communication between Taipei and Beijing, I remain concerned about the 
excessive Chinese military build-up off the coast of Taiwan. For the 
dialogue between China and Taiwan to have its intended effect--to 
promote peaceful and productive relations--then militarization of the 
region is not helpful.
  Nevertheless, my colleagues and I are very encouraged to see the 
efforts between Taiwan and China to maintain peace and stability in 
East Asia. On the 20th Anniversary of the Straits Exchange Foundation, 
we congratulate the SEF on its achievement in promoting exchanges and 
better understanding across the Taiwan Strait.

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