[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 138 (Monday, October 7, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY 2013

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. TOM RICE

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 7, 2013

  Mr. RICE of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, October 10, 2013, marks the 
102nd anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of China, 
Taiwan. I wish to congratulate the people of Taiwan on their National 
Day, also known as the Double Ten Day, as they celebrate the birth of 
their country and the great strides they have since made.
  The United States and Taiwan have always enjoyed a mutually 
beneficial relationship that stems from our shared values: democracy, 
the rule of law and free enterprise. Taiwan's strong democracy serves 
as a beacon and model for East Asia. Through their ingenuity and hard 
work, Taiwan has become a vital player in the world economy. In 2012, 
bilateral trade between our two countries reached $63 billion, making 
Taiwan our 11th largest trading partner. Last year, South Carolina's 
exports to Taiwan reached $225 million. Taiwanese companies are also 
heavily invested in manufacturing plants and distribution centers, 
creating jobs in my home state.
  On the occasion of its National Day, I would like to reflect on how 
we can improve on our already strong partnership with Taiwan. As a 
fellow democratic ally of the United States, we must further support 
and encourage Taiwan's international participation. Both houses of 
Congress voted overwhelmingly to support Taiwan's observer status in 
the International Civil Aviation Organization earlier this year, and 
consequently, Taiwan has been invited as a guest to its assembly. The 
United States should also ensure that Taiwan is not excluded from the 
Trans-Pacific Partnership or other regional trade agreements for any 
political reasons.
  Again, I would like to join my colleagues and the people of Taiwan in 
commemoration of its 102nd National Day and wish Taiwan even greater 
success in the future and the continued friendship of our two nations.

                          ____________________