[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN)

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2013

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN.  Mr. Speaker, since World War II, the United States 
and the Republic of China, commonly referred to as Taiwan, have shared 
a close friendship. I'm pleased to recognize the upcoming National Day 
of the Republic of China on October 10, 2013.
  Taiwan is a shining example of democracy in the Asia Pacific region 
and promotes shared values with the United States, including respect 
for human rights, a market-based economy, and freedom. Taiwan is a very 
important trading partner and our economies are closely linked. Last 
year, Taiwan was our eleventh largest trading partner overall, was our 
seventh largest agricultural export market, and shared more than 63 
billion dollars in bilateral trade.
  Taiwan's economy is a dynamic force in the Asia Pacific region and it 
is in both of our interests to continue strengthening our trade and 
investment ties. We should continue to expand trade through a Bilateral 
Investment Agreement, a Free Trade Agreement, and an expanded Trans-
Pacific Partnership (TPP). Taiwan is a member of the Asia Pacific 
Economic Cooperation and if admitted to the TPP, a great U.S. ally such 
as Taiwan would be an even more important economic player.
  Taiwan has recognized that joining the TPP would be the best way to 
diversify its market and improve competitiveness in the region. I 
encourage my colleagues to support Taiwan's inclusion into TPP, which 
would further strengthen U.S.-Taiwan trade and investment dialogues and 
would likely increase other TPP member countries' willingness in 
engaging Taiwan in vigorous and ambitious trade negotiations. The 
United States should actively seek ways with its TPP member nations to 
include Taiwan in the partnership, allowing Taiwan to play an even more 
important role in the regional economic integration in the years to 
come.
  Finally, I encourage more high-level diplomatic visits between our 
two countries to increase bilateral interaction on matters such as 
security, trade, investment, cultural exchange, and education. Just as 
our economic partnership continues to improve, Taiwan is one of our 
most valuable allies and is a nation we can truly depend on. That is 
why I introduced the Taiwan Policy Act with my colleagues, the co-
chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, Representatives Mario Diaz-
Balart, Albio Sires, John Carter, and Gerald Connolly, to strengthen 
our political, security, economic, and trade relations. I was proud to 
see this legislation pass in the Foreign Affairs Committee in August 
and am looking forward to its swift passage here in the House soon.
  I wish a very happy Double Ten Day to the people of Taiwan. While we 
are already close partners, it is my firm belief that our best days are 
still ahead.

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