[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 146 (Monday, October 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 3, 2011

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Republic 
of China on its 100th Anniversary, which will take place on October 
10th of this year.
  I am proud to celebrate this tremendous milestone for Taiwan, not 
only because of the state's strong relationship with the United States, 
but as an example worldwide of the power of democracy to improve the 
quality of life for all citizens and create a healthy and diverse 
economy.
  Indeed Taiwan was established to reflect the principles of Dr. Sun 
Yat-sen, a man who had a vision for a democratic Chinese state inspired 
by American ideals of freedom of expression, representative government, 
and an independent judiciary. The promotion of these ideals is never 
easy, and the promotion of democracy in Taiwan has been a long process 
to be sure, yet the principles established by Dr. Sun remain a hallmark 
of Taiwan today.
  And just as Taiwan was an early Asian backer of democratic principles 
and ideals, the ROC government--on Taiwan since 1949--was also an early 
adapter and proponent of market reforms and economic liberalization 
that define the modern global economy. Taiwan has seen a meteoric rise 
ever since, is a force in the global technology sector, and the 
island's economy is one of the largest in Asia and in the top tier of 
the developed world.
  I want to again congratulate Taiwan on this most auspicious 
anniversary, and I look forward to continuing the strong and deep 
relationship between Taiwan and the United States.

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