[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LUKE MESSER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2013

  Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Taiwan 
Caucus, it is an honor for me to recognize the National Day of the 
Republic of China, which is celebrated every year on October 10, also 
referred to as Double Tenth. The Republic of China, more commonly known 
as Taiwan, continues to be an anchor for peace and security in the Asia 
Pacific region and one of the United States' most trusted allies.
  Taiwan's National Day is a time for celebrating and commemorating its 
establishment on January 1, 1912. Since its establishment, Taiwan has 
established itself as a stable democracy; one whose leaders are 
democratically elected and where civil and human rights of the 
citizenry are respected. These shared values serve as the foundation 
for the U.S.-Taiwan alliance. I have had the pleasure to meet with 
Taiwan's Representative serving in Washington, DC, Ambassador Pu-tsung 
King and his family. I have witnessed firsthand their kindness, grace 
and dedication to their home country. Ambassador King and his family 
are eloquent representatives for the people of Taiwan.
  The friendship between Taiwan and the U.S. is long-lasting and all 
facets of the U.S.-Taiwan bilateral relationship--cultural, economic, 
and strategic--have expanded and grown stronger since the signing into 
law of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) in 1979. A strong, prosperous 
Taiwan serves both our nations' interests. In 2012, Taiwan was the 
United States' 11th largest trading partner, and the 7th largest export 
market for U.S. agriculture. For my home state of Indiana, Taiwan is 
one of its top export markets in Asia. Hoosier farmers and my state's 
economy have benefitted greatly from trade agreements with Taiwan.
  There is no denying that Taiwan's contributions to the global 
community are immeasurable. It is a membership of the World Trade 
Organization (WTO) and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). On 
July 12, 2013, President Obama signed into law legislation that calls 
for the Secretary of State to endorse Taiwan's entry into the 
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This will help 
strengthen the safety of air travel between the United States and 
Taiwan.
  I congratulate Taiwan on its National Day and I look forward to many 
years of continued cooperation between our two countries.

                          ____________________