[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         COMMEMORATION OF NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2013

  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has had no 
stronger supporter than the United States Congress and today I rise in 
commemoration of the upcoming National Day of the Republic of China on 
October 10, 2013.
  The United States and Taiwan share many basic principles such as 
democracy, human rights and trade. In particular, Taiwan is very 
important to the U.S. economy. In 2012, Taiwan was the 11th largest 
trading partner with the U.S. Additionally, Taiwan was the 7th largest 
destination for U.S. agricultural exports. Furthermore, bilateral trade 
between the United States and Taiwan is over $63 billion annually.
  For Taiwan to remain competitive, it is important that they are able 
to participate in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). This 12-nation 
trade agreement is currently being discussed among Australia, Brunei, 
Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, and 
Singapore. The TPP is open to all APEC [Asia-Pacific Economic 
Cooperation] economies, of which Taiwan is a member, and therefore 
would be incomplete without Taiwan's inclusion.
  As the Administration follows through on its Rebalancing of Asia 
policy, Taiwan will play an integral role. Since Taiwan is one of our 
strongest allies in Asia, we need to continue to support their 
inclusion in the TPP; otherwise they will fail to remain competitive, 
which may result in a decrease of purchases for American products. This 
in turn, could negatively impact American farmers and manufacturers 
that count on Taiwan to buy their products.
  Once again, I congratulate Taiwan on the upcoming National Day of the 
Republic of China, and look forward to continuing our working 
partnership.

                          ____________________