[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 131 (Friday, September 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING TAIWAN'S 101ST NATIONAL DAY

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2012

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge 
Taiwan's 101st National Day on October 10, 2012. This event marks the 
anniversary of the 1911 uprising that led to the establishment of the 
Republic of China.
  Under President Ma Ying-jeou's leadership, Taiwan has made great 
strides in improving relations with mainland China, which has 
contributed to reduced tensions in the region overall. Furthermore, 
through the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, millions of 
citizens in both nations have benefited. China and Taiwan are 
continuing to pursue productive and peaceful negotiations to ensure a 
better future for their citizens, and cross-strait relations are better 
now than they have ever been.
  The United States should support and assist Taiwan in building on its 
recent successes and playing a greater role in international 
organizations, such as the World Health Assembly. Taiwan is also on the 
road to gaining membership in the International Civil Aviation 
Organization. This important progress should be recognized and 
encouraged.
  Mr, Speaker, Taiwan is an important ally to the United States, an 
outpost of democracy and freedom, and plays a critical economic role in 
the region. Millions of Americans buy Taiwanese products, and Taiwan is 
an export destination for a wide range of American products, from 
agriculture to raw materials to technology. The Taiwanese people are 
committed to hard work and democratic values, as well as productive and 
peaceful international relations. I offer my sincere congratulations on 
their 101st National Day, and look forward to celebrating Taiwan's 
future successes.

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