[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     WISHING THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN A JOYOUS NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BLAKE FARENTHOLD

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2012

  Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my 
congratulations and best wishes to President Ma Ying-jeou on the 
occasion of Republic of China (Taiwan)'s National Day. This national 
holiday commemorates the 1911 Wu-ch'ang uprising that ended centuries 
of monarchy and led to the birth of the Republic of China.
  Taiwan and the United States enjoy a robust relationship that 
reflects our two countries' historical, cultural and economic ties over 
the last century. Despite lack of formal relations between the two 
countries, the United States and Taiwan continue to be strong partners 
in trade, cultural and educational exchanges as well as cooperation in 
many other areas. Taiwan's cooperation with the United States in 
combating global terrorism has earned the trust of the American people 
and boosted exchanges and friendship between our two nations. Such 
relations also extend to discussions over Taiwan's military needs. A 
strong Taipei-Washington relationship is in both governments' best 
interests for the stability of East Asia. This year, we celebrated the 
33st anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, the 
cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations.
  My additional congratulations to the people of Taiwan for their 
continued participation in the World Health Assembly meetings this May 
in Geneva. I hope Taiwan will also soon join the International Civil 
Aviation Organization (ICAO).
  I join my fellow colleagues in wishing the people of Taiwan a joyous 
National Day celebration and look forward to expanding our strong 
relationship.

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