[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 28, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

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                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 2015

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate and celebrate the 36th 
anniversary of the passing of the Taiwan Relations Act, the landmark 
piece of legislation that provides the legal basis for our bilateral 
relations with Taiwan, our close economic and security partner and 
friend with which we share so many principles and values.
  Our relationship with the Republic of China dates back decades, but 
it is as important today as ever. Taiwan stands today as a symbol of 
what countries can accomplish when they commit themselves to democracy, 
free enterprise, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. The 
Taiwan Relations Act, accordingly, stands as a symbol of the United 
States' unwavering support for those values and its commitment to 
protect and uphold them wherever they take root.
  The Taiwan Relations Act is also more than a symbol, however. It is a 
binding resolution that we in Washington will ``consider any effort to 
determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means, including 
by boycotts or embargoes, a threat to the peace and security of the 
Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the United States.''
  Today, the peace and security of that critical region is being 
undermined by a military buildup on the mainland and increasingly 
aggressive behavior in its littoral waters. In this strategic 
environment it is critically important that we reaffirm our support to 
countries that share our values and behave with respect to their 
neighbors and the norms of international behavior.

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