[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 47 (Wednesday, April 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2013

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today, on the 34th anniversary of the 
Taiwan Relations Act, I want to take a moment to recognize this 
landmark legislation, the special relationship that exists between the 
United States and Taiwan, and the exceptional work by this Congress to 
reinforce the bond between our peoples. Yesterday also marked another 
important date in U.S. Taiwan relations: the 11th anniversary of the 
founding of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus. Since April 9, 2002, the 
Taiwan Caucus has grown into one of the most prominent caucuses in 
Congress with almost 140 current members, and has led the way in 
strengthening diplomatic, security, and economic relations between our 
two nations.
  Since this Congress came together 34 years ago to pass the Taiwan 
Relations Act, the legislation has constituted the cornerstone of our 
unique relationship with one of the world's most vibrant democracies. 
For 30 years, the United States recognized the Republic of China 
(Taiwan) as the legitimate representative of the Chinese people. Yet, 
in 1979, the Carter administration switched sides and recognized the 
People's Republic of China, and at the same time derecognized the 
Republic of China (Taiwan). In an effort to counter this act of 
injustice, a unified United States Congress came together to pass the 
Taiwan Relations Act. To this day, our great nations continue to 
prosper through mutually beneficial trade relations, shared security 
interests, and the policies codified by the Taiwan Relations Act.
  Mr. Speaker, while recognizing the accomplishments of the Taiwan 
Relations Act, we must also recognize the need to strengthen our 
commitment to Taiwan through expanded diplomatic, security, and trade 
ties. Earlier this year, I was proud to introduce, with my colleagues, 
the co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, Representatives Mario 
Diaz-Balart, John Carter, Albio Sires, Gerald Connolly, the Taiwan 
Policy Act, which seeks to accomplish these goals. If enacted, our 
proposed legislation would permit Taiwan's leaders to meet with U.S. 
officials in all executive branches, authorize the transfer of 
decommissioned Perry class guided missile frigates, and support the 
sale of F16 C/D fighter jets to the Armed Forces of Taiwan. With the 
growing antagonism of North Korea and the ever expanding territorial 
ambitions of China, our alliance with the democratic nation of Taiwan 
is even more important.
  In 2012, as our 11th largest trading partner, 16th largest export 
market, and 11th largest import market, Taiwan and the United States 
shared in $63.2 billion in total trade. It is clear that Taiwan is 
already a close and valuable trade partner for the United States but 
there is more work to be done. We are glad that TIFA talks were resumed 
and that the most recent round was concluded in a satisfying fashion. 
As a next step, our U.S. Trade Representative should begin negotiations 
on a Bilateral Investment Agreement. A free trade agreement with Taiwan 
should be our ultimate goal and it is my hope that we can begin 
negotiations in the near future. The United States should also support 
Taiwan receiving observer status in the International Civil Aviation 
Organization.
  We, as a nation, are fortunate to have Taiwan as an ally, friend, and 
one of our largest trading partners. Taiwan is a nation we truly can 
depend upon; a people who share the same dreams and aspirations as we 
do here in the United States. Today, we remember our predecessors here 
in the United States Congress who created the Taiwan Relations Act, as 
well as the founding members of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, who 
have helped the relationship between our two nations blossom into an 
enduring partnership.

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