[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE 38TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2017

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 38th 
Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which has played an 
essential role in advancing the shared interests and values of the 
United States and Taiwan. Taiwan has become the United States' 10th 
largest trading partner and is a beacon of democracy in East Asia.
   Along with the TRA, the ``Six Assurances'' have also guided our 
relationship with Taiwan. Three years after the TRA was enacted, 
President Reagan issued the ``Six Assurances,'' reaffirming our 
nation's support for Taiwan. There is one area that, because of China's 
intransigence, needs further consideration. China has blocked Taiwan's 
entrance into international organizations where Taiwan could play a 
meaningful role.
   In addition to security, the United States and Taiwan have a close 
economic partnership. In 2016, bilateral trade was slightly over $65 
billion. Taiwan and New Jersey also have very close trade ties. In 
2015, Taiwan was New Jersey's 6th largest export market in Asia, with 
New Jersey's exports to Taiwan reaching $491 million.
   This week, Chinese President Xi visited the United States and met 
with President Trump. While this meeting presented a constructive 
opportunity, the interests must in no way be marginalized. The 
commitments made in the Taiwan Relations Act and the ``Six Assurances'' 
must never be compromised.
   Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to be a friend of Taiwan and her 
people, and to recognize the anniversary of the TRA.

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