[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 143 (Thursday, October 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2015

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, October 10th is the national day of the 
Republic of China (Taiwan). This day commemorates the launch of the 
Wuchang Uprising of 1911, which in turn led to the establishment of the 
Republic of China (Taiwan) on January 1, 1912. As the United States and 
Taiwan share a close relationship, I would like to take this 
opportunity to wish the people of Taiwan a very Happy Double Ten Day.
   The relationship between the United States and Taiwan is both deep 
and longstanding, and encompass areas including security, culture, and 
trade. Taiwan is the 10th largest trading partner for the U.S., while 
the U.S. is Taiwan's largest foreign investor. In 2014, 24% of Taiwan's 
total agricultural imports came from the U.S. Since 1993, Taiwan has 
been the 7th largest overseas market for U.S. agricultural exports. In 
2014, Taiwan imported nearly $3.5 billion of U.S. agricultural 
products, up 10 percent from the previous year, making Taiwan one of 
the world's largest consumers for U.S. agricultural products on a per 
capita basis. I am pleased that the 2015 Taiwan Agricultural Trade 
Goodwill Mission just completed a successful visit to the United States 
including my home state of Illinois.
   Taiwan also has proven its leadership in the global arena through 
its commitment to democracy, by contributing to international 
development and humanitarian missions, and through bold diplomatic 
initiatives such as President Ma's East China Sea Peace Initiative and 
his South China Sea Peace Initiative, which seek to reduce tensions in 
those disputed waters. As a result of these efforts, a challenging 
world is in many ways a better place. I offer my thanks to Taiwan for 
their commitment democracy and stability in Asia and my best wishes to 
their people they observe and celebrate Double Ten Day.

                          ____________________