[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN) ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 5, 2011

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my heartfelt 
congratulations to the Republic of China (Taiwan) on their upcoming 
centennial anniversary of becoming the first democracy in Asia on 
October 10, 1911. The annual celebration of this event is known as 
``Double Ten Day,'' and celebrates the start of the Wuchang Uprising 
which established the Republic of China.
  Since the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Taiwan has been a true friend 
and long term ally with the United States. Both the U.S. and Taiwan 
have maintained strong trade ties stemming from our close friendship; I 
hope these ties continue to advance and expand in the future.
  Alaskan and Taiwanese relations are also close as Taiwan is the only 
country with whom Alaska has a codified relationship agreement. In 
2004, leaders from both Alaska and Taiwan established the Taiwan-Alaska 
Trade and Investment Cooperation Council to further extend 
collaboration between Alaska and Taiwan. Because of this collaboration, 
both Alaska and Taiwan have greatly benefitted from the many cultural 
exchanges, and improved trade and transport relations. In fact, in 
2010, Taiwan was Alaska's 16th largest export power and received $23 
million in exports including forest products, energy, and machinery. 
However, since 2008, Alaska has exported $143 million to Taiwan making 
it Alaska's 9th largest trading partner over the last 3 years.
  I would like to congratulate Taiwan on its 100th anniversary and 
thank them for their role as an important strategic ally of the United 
States.

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