[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 182 (Tuesday, December 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TAIWAN'S PEACE INITIATIVE IN THE TAIPING ISLAND OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

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                       HON. DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2015

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere 
appreciation for the Republic of China (Taiwan) recent leadership and 
initiative in pursuing long-term peace and stability in the South China 
Sea.
   In December 2015, a U.S. State Department official expressed that 
all claimants should work to reduce regional tensions.
   I encourage all relevant countries to resolve maritime disputes in 
accordance with international laws and regulations, including the 
United Nations Charter and UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 
(UNCLOS). I especially take note of Taiwan's willingness to work with 
other parties concerned, through consultations conducted on the basis 
of equality and reciprocity, to jointly ensure peace and stability in 
the South China Sea, to uphold the freedom of navigation and 
overflight, and to conserve and develop resources in the region.
   Taiping Island is the largest natural and self-sustainable island in 
Spratly Islands. This island qualifies as an island according to the 
UNCLOS. Taiwan has set up a hospital in Taiping Island. Over the past 
decade, this hospital has offered humanitarian assistance to 21 people 
in 20 cases, including 12 Philippine and Myanmar nationals, which fully 
demonstrates Taiwan's dedication to humanitarianism.

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