[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 27, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 105TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN)

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 27, 2016

  Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on October 10, the 
people of Taiwan celebrate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the 
Republic of China (Taiwan). As we approach this important day, we 
should take the time to commemorate Taiwan, an important economic 
partner and vital ally in Asia.
   This past year, the world witnessed Taiwan's third peaceful 
transition to power as the first woman was elected in Taiwan. The 23 
million people on the island represent the only democracy in the 
Chinese speaking world. Taiwan has been a reliable partner in East 
Asia. According to the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, U.S. trade in goods with 
Taiwan reached US$ 66 billion last year. For a population of only 23 
million, Taiwan became the United States' 9th largest trading partner 
in 2015. Also, Taiwan is the state of New York's 6th largest export 
market in Asia.
   It happens that the 39th Triennial Assembly of the International 
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will also be taking place in 
Montreal, Canada, beginning on September 27, 2016. The U.S. Congress 
passed a bill in 2013, which was later signed into law, for supporting 
Taiwan's participation in the triennial assembly of the International 
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in the capacity of an observer. 
Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR), administered by Taiwan 
government, provided over 1.53 million instances of air traffic control 
services and handled 58 million incoming and outgoing passengers in 
2015, serving as an indispensable part of the global air transport 
network. Taiwan sent a delegation to the ICAO assembly in 2013. We will 
be happy to see that Taiwan to be invited again this September.
   On Taiwan's National Day, we reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-
Taiwan relationship and the United States commitment to the Taiwan 
Relations Act. It is an honor and privilege to support our friend and 
partner Taiwan and highlight the bonds that connect us.

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