[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SUPPORT OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE REPUBLIC OF 
                             CHINA (TAIWAN)

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2011

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China, also known as 
Taiwan, which will occur on October 10, 2011.
  On October 10, 1911, revolutionaries led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen launched 
an uprising in Taiwan to overturn dynastic rule that prevailed in China 
for over two thousand years. The Provisional Government of the Republic 
of China was established, declaring the Republic of China (ROC) an 
independent and sovereign state and the first republic in Asia. Dr. Sun 
Yat-sen served as their first president. October 10th is now celebrated 
annually as ROC's national day, also known as ``Double Ten Day.''
  In honor of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of 
China, we remember and celebrate the struggles the Republic of China 
faced in order to become a democratic republic state. We also 
acknowledge Dr. Sun Yat-sen's dedication to the principles of 
nationalism, democracy and the people's livelihood. Since its founding 
nearly a century ago, the Republic of China has undergone tremendous 
transformations and has matured into a free-market, multi-party 
democracy that plays key roles in the global economy and in maintaining 
regional peace and stability.
  As a proud member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I have had the 
privilege to travel to Taiwan this past May as part of a bipartisan 
delegation. I had the pleasure of meeting President Ma Ying-jeou and 
other government officials. I was strongly encouraged by their 
commitment to maintaining strong ties with the United States.
  As we celebrate Taiwan's progress and development during the past 
century, we must also applaud their commitment to the ideals of freedom 
and democracy. I would like to congratulate the people of Taiwan for 
continuing in the traditions of Sun Yat-sen and maintaining the vibrant 
democracy that is a model for the entire world.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the Republic 
of China on the 100th anniversary of its founding.

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