[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 80 (Thursday, May 19, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    REAFFIRMATION OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT AND THE SIX ASSURANCES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 16, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 
88 reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and the six assurances as 
cornerstones of the United States-Taiwan relations.
  Since its enactment, the TRA has played an indispensable role in 
shaping U.S.-Taiwan relations, resulting in a mutually-beneficial 
relationship that encourages strong security, cultural, and economic 
ties.
  The TRA is unique because it is the only law to govern nearly every 
aspect of U.S. relations within a foreign government in the absence of 
diplomatic relations.
  Taiwan's story is unique in that it is an example to the world of the 
potential of a country.
  Indeed, Taiwan and the United States share many values including:
  1. a commitment to democracy;
  2. a commitment to human rights and the rule of law; and
  3. a commitment to economic prosperity.
  Maintaining and deepening our strong relations with Taiwan is an 
important part of U.S. engagement in Asia, a region of great and 
growing importance to the United States.
  This includes a vital security and strategic interest within the 
Taiwan Strait, where United States troops are stationed within the 
Taiwan Strait region.
  Further, Taiwan has grown to become America's ninth-largest overall 
trading partner and our seventh-largest destination for agricultural 
exports.
  Indeed, I am particularly proud that as a Member of the Congressional 
Caucus on Taiwan, my colleagues and I can serve an important role in 
strengthening bilateral relations by engaging our counterparts in 
Taiwan.
  Not too long ago, we commemorated the 37th anniversary of the 
enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act.
  I encourage my colleagues to continue to join me in support of and in 
promotion of our bilateral relations with Taiwan.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the speech delivered by Taiwan President Ma 
Ying-jeou on March 30, 2016, in which he emphasized the strong and 
abiding friendship between Taiwan and the United States, which was 
integral to Taiwan's transformation into the free, prosperous, and just 
society it is today.
  President Ma also spoke of Taiwan's future through the lens of three 
key issues:
  1. cross-strait relations;
  2. energy; and
  3. economic development.
  President Ma also mentioned that through the effort to seek peace, 
Taiwan has become a peacemaker and provider of humanitarian aid.
  I also want to congratulate Taiwan on the January 16, 2016 election 
of the first female President to be elected--Dr. Tsai Ing-wen.
  Mr. Speaker, the inauguration of President Dr. Tsai Ing-wen is the 
third peaceful transition of power in Taiwan's democratic history.
  The United States congratulates the people and government of Taiwan 
on the election of President Tsai Ing-wen and Taiwan's enduring and 
strong commitment to nurturing democracy, human rights and the rule-of-
law.
  This is why I support and urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 
88.

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