[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 146 (Tuesday, October 6, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE SOUTH CHINA SEA PEACE INITIATIVE AND 104TH ANNIVERSARY 
               OF DOUBLE TEN DAY FOR THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2015

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss issues important to 
Taiwan, our close partner and ally in the Asia-Pacific region. In 
particular, I am concerned about current maritime disputes in the South 
China Sea, also known as the East Sea. I am concerned about China's 
growing presence in disputed waters in the South China Sea through land 
reclamation, neglect of international law, and disregard of the needs 
and territorial claims of its neighbors. A number of U.S. partners and 
allies in the region have taken different steps to address these 
illegal actions. Each plays an important role in signaling 
international disapproval of Beijing's actions. However, I want to 
highlight the efforts of Taiwan, under President Ma Ying-jeou, who has 
proposed a South China Sea Peace Initiative, which I believe should be 
seriously considered.
   Taiwan understands that the tensions between claimants in the East 
China Sea and South China Sea threaten the peace and stability of the 
entire region. These disputes also threaten the political, economic, 
and security interests of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region. 
Through the South China Sea Peace Initiative, Taiwan calls on all 
relevant parties to exercise restraint, respect international law, 
shelve sovereignty disputes, and adhere to a code of conduct.
   This course of action is similar to the one proposed by President Ma 
in his East China Sea Initiative of 2012. The spirit of that proposal 
helped to alleviate tensions among China, Taiwan, and Japan, and led to 
a fisheries agreement between Taiwan and Japan in 2013--ending a 40-
year fisheries dispute. It is my hope that the South China Sea Peace 
Initiative will have a similar effect on the parties of the South China 
Sea dispute. Moreover, the South China Sea Peace Initiative is similar 
to the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, 
which was agreed to by ASEAN, including China, in 2002. The declaration 
committed all parties of the territorial disputes to ``reaffirm their 
respect for and commitment to the freedom of navigation in and over 
flight above the South China Sea as provided for by the universally 
recognized principles of international law'' and to ``resolve their 
territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without 
resorting to the threat or use of force.''
   I encourage my colleagues to commit to a greater focus on 
developments in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly with regards to 
China's illegal actions in the South China Sea, and to this latest 
initiative from Taipei. During the 113th Congress, the House passed 
House Resolution 714, which was introduced by the good friend and 
former Congressman Eni Faleomavaega of American Samoa, and sent a clear 
message that the U.S. will not stand for these illegal and dangerous 
actions by China in the South China Sea. I hope that we will pass a 
similar resolution again this Congress, and I commit to working with my 
colleagues to send a clear message to China that their actions are 
intolerable.
   Moreover, I hope that my colleagues will join me in sending another 
important signal about Congress' commitment to our allies and partners 
in the Asia-Pacific region by acknowledging the upcoming celebrations 
of the 104th anniversary of ``Double Ten Day.'' Double Ten Day is a 
celebration of the birth of democracy in Taiwan. It traces its roots to 
the Wuchang Uprising that occurred on October 10, 1911. The Wuchang 
Uprising signaled the end of the Qing Dynasty and the start of a 
democratic movement that continues to be celebrated and recognized.
   The strength of the relationship between the people of Taiwan and 
the people of the United States is strong. I look forward to continue 
working to expand business opportunities between our countries and 
deepen our mutual appreciation for each other's unique cultures. 
Exchange of our cultures is clearly evidenced on Guam, which is home to 
many people of Chinese ancestry. Guam continues to benefit from their 
cultural contributions to our community and the promotion of trade and 
economic opportunities.
   On this 104th Anniversary of Double Ten Day, it is important to 
recognize that Taiwan has proven time and again to be a friend working 
to ensure continued peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. I 
extend my appreciation to Taiwan for their continuing friendship and 
contributions to regional peace.

                          ____________________