[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 147 (Wednesday, October 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





              104TH COMMEMORATION OF TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE KING

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2015

  Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, as Taiwan approaches the 104th 
commemoration of the National Day of the Republic of China next October 
10th, it is important that we remember a few key points. First, the 
Republic of China, Taiwan is an extraordinary friend and ally of the 
United States. This year we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 
allied victory in World War II. We must not forget the critical 
contribution of the Republic of China to freedom's victory over the 
forces of fascist tyranny. Second, Mr. Speaker, Taiwan deserves to be 
commended for having consolidated its representative democracy in an 
extremely challenging regional environment. Finally, people of Taiwan 
are hard-working and admirable.
  The current framework of U.S.-Taiwan relations has developed 
successfully in large part to the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act 
in 1979. The United States has sold defensive arms to Taiwan, allowing 
it to remain a respected force in the region. It is extremely important 
that the transfer of sophisticated defensive weapons such as Perry 
Class Naval vessels and other weaponry supported in the National 
Defense Authorization Act, take place soon.
  The government of Taiwan has set forth a noteworthy peace-seeking 
agenda in recent years, and it has accomplished a remarkable reduction 
in cross-strait tensions. History will certainly note President Ma 
Ying-jeou's East China Sea Peace Initiative and South China Sea Peace 
Initiative with deep admiration for these wise and responsible proposed 
solutions to critically important regional challenges.

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