[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the people and 
leaders of the Republic of China on Taiwan as they prepare to celebrate 
the hundred-and-first anniversary of the founding of their country on 
October 10.
  I would like to highlight Taiwan's economic successes over the last 
century--a success that has rightly been called a miracle. In just 
several decades, the people of Taiwan have transformed their economy 
from a recipient of American aid into one of our most important trade 
partners. The world economy relies upon Taiwan's computer chip 
foundries, and the whole world benefits from the entrepreneurial spirit 
and inventiveness of Taiwan's people.
  Looking forward to the future of our relationship with Taiwan, I 
believe it will be essential to take bold new steps to strengthen the 
ties between us. In particular, it is past time for Washington to 
negotiate a free trade agreement with Taiwan. That would be the first 
and most important step we could take to demonstrate our continued 
dedication to this relationship.
  I also wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Ambassador Jason 
Yuan, who has ably represented Taiwan in the United States for the past 
4 years, on his new appointment to serve as Secretary-General of the 
National Security Council of Taiwan. I am deeply grateful for his hard 
work to further strengthen the ties between our two countries, and I 
wish Ambassador and Madame Yuan the very best of luck in their future 
endeavors.
  In closing, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
people of Taiwan on their many successes, and to recommit ourselves to 
strengthening this essential relationship. As we look forward to 
Taiwan's national celebration, the people of both the United States and 
the Republic of China on Taiwan have much to celebrate.

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