[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DENNIS A. ROSS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2013

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, Taiwan, our dearest friend and closest ally in 
East Asia, is celebrating their 102nd birthday on October 10 of this 
year, known as ``Double Ten'' day given it is the tenth day of the 
tenth month.
  Taiwan and the United States' strong relationship is based on the 
common standard that human rights, democracy and the rule of law are 
critical to maintaining a flourishing society. Both nations do not just 
speak of these as theories, but create environments for which they can 
be attained.
  Because of this friendship, there are a few areas that I would like 
to shine a light in the hopes of strengthening Taiwan's global 
standing.
  First of all, I would like to see a Bilateral Investment Agreement, 
BIA, between the United States and Taiwan as soon as possible. The 
protections afforded in a BIA are greater than what currently exists. 
This BIA will give investors of both countries greater confidence 
investing in each other and provides a platform for sustained economic 
growth.
  I would also like my colleagues to join me in supporting Taiwan's 
participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, TPP. As a Member of the 
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, APEC, Taiwan is rightfully allowed 
to be a part of TPP. The absence of their membership could create an 
unfair disadvantage for Taiwan and will be a hardship for our good 
friends in this global economy.
  Taiwan is a beacon of democracy in East Asia. The United States 
should do all that it possibly can to ensure that Taiwan is in position 
to prosper and is on a firm foundation for sustained economic growth.

                          ____________________