[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 12, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. JAMES B. RENACCI

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 12, 2017

  Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 38th Anniversary 
of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which originated in 
the Congress, and which has been instrumental in protecting the people 
of Taiwan from the ambitions of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
  Along with the Six Assurances issued by President Ronald Reagan in 
1982, the TRA forms the basis of our security relationship with one of 
our most important security and trading partners in Asia. The U.S.-
Taiwanese relationship has particular importance for my State of Ohio. 
Ohio's exports to Taiwan are valued at over $500 million a year and are 
growing in value. Taiwan is also one of our largest export markets in 
Asia. Together, the Six Assurances and TRA remain the bedrock of the 
U.S.-Taiwanese relationship, but we must do more.
  As the PRC forges ever-stronger links with its neighbors through 
trade and investment, so we must find new ways to strengthen Taiwan's 
regional presence and secure our own interests in the wake of our 
withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. It is my hope that we 
take bilateral steps to deepen our own trade relationship, which I hope 
will culminate in a free trade agreement. Such a goal, when achieved, 
will enhance our own economic presence in the region and contribute to 
Taiwan's freedom and prosperity.
  For myself and on behalf of my constituents, I celebrate our 
friendship with the people of Taiwan as this anniversary approaches, 
and offer my congratulations to them as we celebrate their democratic 
way of life.

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