[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2014

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, 35 years ago next week, on April 10, 
1979, the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) codified America's commitment to 
our democratic ally Taiwan. Since then, this watershed legislation has 
served as an anchor for peace and security in the Western Pacific 
region and the cornerstone of close defense, economic, and cultural 
relations between our peoples. The TRA serves the interests of both of 
our nations by fostering United States power in the Pacific and 
allowing the people of Taiwan to sustain a peaceful, democratic, and 
prosperous way of life by mandating the availability of necessary U.S. 
defense articles and materials to enable a sufficient Taiwanese self-
defense capability to counter Chinese aggression.
  In 1979, there was much consternation in Washington that American 
security and economic interests in Taiwan would be neglected by 
President Carter's unjust decision to recognize the People's Republic 
of China and derecognize the Republic of China (Taiwan). The TRA was 
enacted to address these concerns and its guidelines now govern, in the 
absence of diplomatic relations, nearly every facet of U.S. relations 
with Taiwan. In the face of a hostile military posture by China, the 
new law helped level the defense capabilities across the Strait so that 
Taiwan's future could be determined by peaceful means.
  China's rapidly increasing defense budget and provocations in the 
East and South China Seas are evidence of China's regional hegemonic 
ambitions. In order to counter and preserve the Taiwanese people's 
ability to determine their own future, we must reaffirm, clarify, and 
strengthen relations with our democratic ally and friend Taiwan. That 
is why I was proud to introduce, with my colleagues, the co-chairs of 
the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, 
John Carter, Albio Sires, Gerald Connolly, the Taiwan Policy Act (TPA), 
which seeks to accomplish these goals.
  If enacted, the TPA would codify that it is U.S. policy to support 
the people of Taiwan, their democracy and human rights, and that 
Taiwan's future must be determined peacefully and with the Taiwanese 
people's assent. The bill would reaffirm the continuation of 
longstanding policies established within the TRA and by the Six 
Assurances of 1982. It would strengthen our ally's ability to defend 
itself against Chinese aggression by advancing the sale or transfer of 
necessary defense articles like F-16 C/D fighter aircraft, Perry class 
guided missile frigates, as well as other air and air defense, 
maritime, and ground capabilities. It would help Taiwan build its 
capacity to partner with other friendly foreign militaries in matters 
of intelligence, communications, and training and further economic ties 
by promoting bilateral investment and tax agreements with the ultimate 
goal of a Free Trade Agreement. The TPA would also encourage visits by 
cabinet-level and other high-level officials and support meaningful 
participation in international organizations like the World Health 
Assembly, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and United 
Nations entities.
  The TRA serves as an enduring reminder of the extent to which Taiwan 
and the United States share a common commitment to freedom and a 
government elected by the people and for the people. As we celebrate 
the 35th anniversary of the TRA, there is no better time to recommit to 
the people of Taiwan and reaffirm that the United States will ensure 
the flame of liberty continues to burn brightly in the face of Chinese 
aggression.

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