[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 52 (Monday, April 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E459-E460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              36TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 13, 2015

  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor an important friend and 
staunch ally of the United States: Taiwan, as we celebrate the 36th 
anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) of 1979.
  This important legislation remains to be the cornerstone of U.S.--
Taiwan relations. It stipulates that it is the policy of the United 
States to ``make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense 
services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to 
maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.''
   In 2001, the Bush Administration agreed to help Taiwan obtain eight 
diesel-electric submarines. Fourteen years later, Taiwan's submarine 
fleet continues to consist of four submarines, two of Dutch 
construction from the 1980s, and two ex-U.S. Navy Guppy-class boats 
built at the end of World War II. As Beijing has not disavowed the use 
of force to one day take possession of Taiwan, as Beijing has rapidly 
expanded and modernized its military across the board since the 
beginning of this century, and as the balance of military power in the 
Taiwan Strait continues to shift in Beijing's favor, the rationale for 
Taiwan to acquire a robust submarine force in order to defend itself 
from any amphibious threats is obvious.
  Late last year, Taiwan decided that it can wait no longer, and is 
moving ahead with plans to design its own submarine fleet. I believe 
the U.S. Government should allow American shipbuilders and submarine-
technology manufacturers to work with Taiwan, both to assess Taiwan's 
capabilities and to bid on systems work. Finally, I urge the Obama 
Administration to encourage other manufacturers of diesel-electric subs 
to work with Taiwan, regardless of pressure from Beijing.
  As we celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, I 
am honored to have had the opportunity today to lend my voice to the 
chorus of support for reaffirming our nation's strong bond with the 
government and people of Taiwan, and I ask my colleagues to support 
this important issue over the course of this Congress.

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