[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 35 (Wednesday, March 9, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING TAIWAN'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STRAIT EXCHANGE FOUNDATION

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 9, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, recently we have seen many breakthroughs in 
cross-strait relations: direct, scheduled flights, direct shipping and 
postal services, a framework for financial cooperation and investment. 
On June 29, 2010 Taiwan and Mainland China signed the historic Economic 
Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) in Chongqing, China. At the 
moment, Taiwan's Strait Exchange Foundation (SEF) and Mainland's 
Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) are 
discussing and exploring further measures to improve cross-strait 
relations.
  It is apparent to the international community that the tone of 
Taiwan-mainland relations has improved significantly. With the 
conclusion of numerous cross-strait agreements, economic and cultural 
ties between Taiwan and mainland China can be expected to grow in the 
future. I am happy to see increased stability in the Taiwan Strait and 
upsurge in Taiwan-mainland economic, cultural and people-to-people 
contacts.
  Mr. Speaker, these acheivements would not have been possible without 
the hard work of President Ma Ying-jeou and the leaders of Taiwan's 
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and the Straits Exchange Foundation. On 
the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Straits Exchange 
Foundation, I applaud the courage shown by President Ma in taking steps 
to improve cross-strait relations.
  Again, on this anniversary, it is my belief that future stability in 
the strait will depend on open dialogue between Taiwan and Mainland 
China, free of force and intimidation and consistent with Taiwan's 
flourishing democracy. In order for Taiwan to deal with Mainland China 
confidently, Taiwan needs to be confident in its role in the 
international community, its ability to defend itself and its place in 
the global economy.
  The United States must continue to support Taiwan's meaningful 
participation in international organizations. We must help Taiwan feel 
that it has the physical capacity to resist intimidation by selling 
defense articles and services to Taiwan, consistent with the Taiwan 
Relations Act (TRA). Lastly, we must explore new initiatives to expand 
our economic relationship with Taiwan.

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