[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TAIWAN'S CENTENNIAL NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD L. HANNA

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 4, 2011

  Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, on Taiwan's fast approaching Centennial 
National Day this October 10, I salute the people in Taiwan for their 
many accomplishments, including the completion of the Economic 
Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with the People's Republic last 
year. The recent rapprochement between Taiwan and mainland China have 
also reduced tensions across the Taiwan Strait. The people of Taiwan no 
longer fear imminent hostile actions from the mainland and will be able 
to live peacefully and even meet and interact with tourists from the 
mainland.
  However, the current amity between the two sides does not eliminate 
the need for the United States to continue to provide weapons for 
Taiwan's defense under the Taiwan Relations Act. We need to expedite 
the sale of F-16 C/D fighters to Taiwan to replace Taiwan's aging air 
force and maintain air power balance power across the Taiwan Strait. 
Arms sales to Taiwan can maintain stability in East Asia by making it 
more difficult for the PRC to bully Taiwan now and in the future. 
Besides, the PRC still has more than one thousand missiles aimed at 
Taiwan. It is necessary for Taiwan to maintain strong military self-
defense capabilities.
  It is also my view that we should support Taiwan's participation in 
global affairs by helping Taiwan become an observer of the 
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other United 
Nations' specialized agencies. An internationally visible Taiwan is a 
strong Taiwan.
  Taiwan is our major trading partner and collaborating with us in many 
other areas. Our strong economic and cultural ties to the Republic of 
China (Taiwan) go back a hundred years. I am certain that this strong 
bond will continue for another one hundred years and more.

                          ____________________