[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 59 (Monday, April 18, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING THE 37TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 18, 2016

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 37th 
anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act.
  The Republic of China (Taiwan) is not only our close economic and 
security partner but a friend with whom we share many principles and 
values. Signed into law in 1979, the Taiwan Relations Act established 
the legal basis for our bilateral relations with Taiwan. I am pleased 
to say the U.S.-Taiwan bilateral relationship has continued to expand 
and grow stronger over the past thirty-seven years. As President Ma 
Ying-jeou remarked during The American Chamber of Commerce 2016 Annual 
Hsieh Nien Fan Gala, this relationship has also reaped benefits for the 
peaceful state of the East Asia and Asia-Pacific regions: ``First, the 
development of Taiwan-U.S. relations and the trilateral interaction 
involving the U.S., Taiwan, and the mainland over the past eight years 
have led to the warmest relations in more than 60 years.''
  In a recent trip to Taiwan, I had the opportunity to experience 
firsthand our shared values and our close economic ties. In 2015, 
Taiwan was the United States' 9th largest trading partner and the 
bilateral trade between the United States and Taiwan reached $67.4 
billion. My home state of California has also benefited from the strong 
commercial partnership. For example, in 2014, California's export to 
Taiwan reached $7.46 billion, making Taiwan California's 5th largest 
export market in Asia and 7th largest export market in the world.
  Additionally, as we recently recognized the 70th Anniversary of the 
end of World War II, it is appropriate to remember Taiwan's important 
contributions to the alliance that defeated fascist militarism. The 
United States and Taiwan work closely and that partnership continued as 
the United States helped Taiwan to overcome challenges and thrive 
following the end of the fighting.
  As a friend of Taiwan, I look forward to continuing to promote 
policies that reaffirm our mutual commitment to democratic and economic 
development. I urge my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 37th 
anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act.

                          ____________________