[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 58 (Wednesday, April 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E553-E554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT AFFIRMATION AND NAVAL VESSEL TRANSFER ACT OF 2014

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2014

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the passage 
of this reaffirmation of the Taiwan Relations Act and to the 
longstanding relationship between the United States and Taiwan. The 
Taiwan Relations Act,

[[Page E554]]

TRA, helped codify our pledge to the people of Taiwan and serves as a 
reminder that the continued support and strengthening of U.S.-Taiwan 
relations aids our mutual interests and shared values.
   Over the last few decades, Taiwan has emerged as a global leader in 
innovative technology and the heart of Asia's IT and Knowledge Economy 
sectors. Through the implementation of sound free-market policies and 
promotion of democratic ideals, we have seen a small agrarian economy 
transform itself into a growing global leader in the technology sector. 
Taiwan is now the world's second largest producer of ICT goods, and 
companies like Acer and HTC are now household names.
   Our mutually beneficial cooperation and exchange with Taiwan has 
helped dozens of American companies meet their ever-growing demand for 
equipment and expertise. The partnerships between American and 
Taiwanese innovators and job creators ensured a virtuous cycle of 
economic development in Taiwan and lower costs for American consumers.
   The U.S. should welcome Taiwanese participation in efforts to 
advance regional economic integration, such as the Trans Pacific 
Partnership. Taiwan is one of the region's most dynamic economies and 
its entry into the TPP will substantially expand the market encompassed 
by the agreement. Additionally, Taiwan's recent experience 
transitioning from a developing, domestically focused economy to a 
globally integrated economy will be invaluable as TPP partners make 
difficult choices and reforms to comply with higher standards set by 
TPP.
   As a longstanding friend of Taiwan, I am proud to voice my support 
for this resolution today. Few could have foreseen the political and 
economic progress that Taiwan has undergone since 1979. Our commitment 
to broadening and deepening our commercial and investment linkages with 
Taiwan will ensure that the spirit of the TRA endures and contributes 
to mutual prosperity on both sides of the Pacific.

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