[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 132 (Monday, September 30, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TAIWAN NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 30, 2013

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, October 10th will mark the 102nd 
Anniversary of the Wuchang uprising, which led to the establishment of 
the Republic of China (Taiwan) on January 1, 1912. The people of Taiwan 
pay tribute to this anniversary, known as the National Day of the 
Republic of China, through celebrations, parades, and fireworks, 
befitting its importance as a national holiday. Due to our cooperative 
and warm relationship over these many decades, it is also a special 
occasion worthy of tribute by this Congress as well.
   This important anniversary also provides an opportunity for Congress 
to contemplate the current state of our bilateral relationship with 
Taiwan and to take proactive steps to enhance it.
   In this rapidly evolving global economy, and with Taiwan's economic 
importance only growing, I believe now is the time for our two nations 
to further enhance economic and trade relations, such as the US 
considering a Bilateral Investment Agreement with Taiwan. Taiwan is 
already the 10th largest trading partner with the US and I urge the 
Administration to conclude this bilateral agreement as soon as 
possible.
   Concurrently, the US Trade Representative recently wrapped up the 
19th round of negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. I believe 
it's vitally important that this Agreement between the United States 
and Asian Pacific nations include Taiwan. My hope is for Taiwan to join 
the agreement expeditiously.
   Finally, I look forward to continue to work toward a deepened 
relationship with Taiwan to achieve greater prosperity for both 
nations, and hope that such work can be undertaken through official 
diplomatic visits to the U.S. from Taiwan officials without 
obstruction.

                          ____________________