[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 21, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICK MULVANEY

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2016

  Mr. MULVANEY. Mr. Speaker, Monday, October 10, is Taiwan's National 
Day--also known as Double Ten Day. As the House will not be in session 
that day, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my early best 
wishes to the people of Taiwan.
  Taiwan is a friend, an ally, and a vital security partner of the 
United States. As such, it should be able to participate and engage 
fully in the international community, and in international forums, such 
as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
  Three years ago, I supported legislation--that the President signed 
into law--directing the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to 
obtain observer status for Taiwan in ICAO. Taiwan was indeed invited to 
attend as a guest that year. However, the ICAO's 39th Triennial 
Assembly will be taking place shortly in Montreal, and to date, there 
has been no indication that Taiwan will be able to participate.
  ICAO works to secure the development of civil aviation throughout the 
world, and as a key aviation hub in East Asia, Taiwan should be an 
indispensable member of that dialogue. Unfortunately, as of today, it 
is not.
  Up to 58 million people each year enter, leave, or pass through the 
Taipei Flight Information Region, and Taiwan is connected to over 100 
cities around the world with hundreds of air-passenger and air-freight 
routes.
  If an international organization is to set the standards and 
regulations necessary for aviation safety and security across the 
globe, then Taiwan must be at the table. Taiwan's absence neither 
serves Taiwan nor the international community.
  Taiwan's invitation to participate in 2013 came virtually at the last 
minute. I hope we are not kept waiting as long this time and the 
current leadership of ICAO gives this prompt attention. I call upon my 
colleagues and the Administration to prioritize Taiwan's observer 
status at ICAO.
  Again, I wish the people of Taiwan a Happy Double Ten Day. I hope we 
may also celebrate Taiwan's presence at ICAO in Montreal this year.

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