[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 182 (Tuesday, December 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN SUPPORT OF OUR CLOSE PARTNER TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SCOTT DesJARLAIS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2015

  Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the positive 
steps that our close partner and friend Taiwan has taken in the South 
China Sea.
   On December 12, 2015, the Taiwanese government inaugurated a newly 
constructed lighthouse and renovated wharf on the Taiping Island, which 
is the largest natural island of the Spratly Islands in the South China 
Sea and has been administered by Taiwan since 1946. This infrastructure 
project will help support free and safe passage of ships through the 
surrounding waters, further enabling Taiwan to offer humanitarian 
assistance, disaster relief, and provide emergency rescue support to 
passing vessels.
   Like the United States, Taiwan is a firm believer in freedom of 
navigation rights and has actively worked to promote peace and 
prosperity throughout the South China Sea region. Earlier this year, 
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou proposed the South China Sea Peace 
Initiative, reiterating their government's longstanding position of 
shelving disputes and promoting joint resource development in these 
contested waters.
   Over the years, Taiwan has continued to play a responsible and 
peaceful role in the region and as such, I urge my colleagues to join 
me in working with our Taiwanese partners to promote our common 
interests and uphold international law.

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