[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 2, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 2, 2014

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the upcoming 
anniversary of the essential diplomatic relationship between the United 
States and Taiwan. This enduring partnership is built upon strong 
cultural ties and the shared values of democracy and the rule of law.
  The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which was passed by the United States 
Congress and signed into law on April 10, 1979, serves as the legal 
basis for relations between United States and Taiwan. 35 years later, 
the TRA remains the foundation of the continuous bilateral relationship 
between our two countries and represents the United States' commitment 
to the people on Taiwan.
  I was proud to support US-Taiwan relations in 1979, and I am proud to 
support US-Taiwan relations today.
  The TRA has enabled Taiwan to flourish as a democracy while at the 
same time achieving miraculous economic growth. The TRA provides the 
confidence that has allowed Taiwan to govern itself, expand trade with 
the global marketplace, and engage in cross-Strait negotiations. We, as 
a Congress, are proud of what we created with the Taiwan Relations Act 
and will do everything in our power to uphold this law that has proved 
so fruitful for Taiwan and the United States.
  As we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the TRA, I would like to 
take this opportunity to welcome the new chief representative of Taiwan 
to the United States, Ambassador Lyushun Shen. Ambassador Shen is a 
seasoned diplomat with many years of experience working in Washington, 
D.C. I am confident that he will continue developing the common 
interests for our countries, and I look forward to working with him.

                          ____________________