[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 143 (Friday, September 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TAIWAN CENTENNIAL NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS E. PETRI

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 2011

  Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I salute Taiwan on its forthcoming Centennial 
National Day, also known as Double-10 Day, October 10, 2011.
  The Republic of China on Taiwan is a model of success for Asia. For 
over six decades now, the Taiwanese people have struggled to lift their 
island into the top ranks of the world's economies. The recently 
released 2010 World Competitive Yearbook finds Taiwan to have the 8th 
most competitive economy among the 58 countries surveyed.
  Over the past year, the number of employed people has increased and 
the unemployment rate has dropped to an enviable 5.17 percent.
  Even more important than its economic achievements, Taiwan has 
developed into a strong and vibrant democracy. It is a valued member of 
the free nations of the world, even though it is burdened with 
particular and unique diplomatic challenges--challenges which the 
Taiwanese people and government have met with courage.
  On the occasion of the Republic of China's Centennial National Day, I 
hope there can be renewed peaceful coexistence and co-prosperity 
between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. There have been many 
agreements reached between the two sides, including direct air and sea 
links, increased mutual investments, and regular negotiations over 
economic and other substantial issues.
  Also, I offer my congratulations to Taiwan for its continued 
participation in the World Health Assembly meetings last May in Geneva 
and to its continuing commitment to safeguarding human rights and other 
universal values.
  Congratulations to the Republic of China. I look forward to closer 
relations between the United States and Taiwan.

                          ____________________