[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 159 (Wednesday, October 4, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1325]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING TAIWAN NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM EMMER

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 4, 2017

  Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 106th 
national day of Taiwan. The United States and Taiwan have enjoyed a 
fruitful partnership for decades, and I would like to wish the people 
of Taiwan a very Happy National Day.
  Our two countries' partnership has flourished thanks to a mutual 
commitment to democratic values and constitutional government. Through 
its many successful elections and commitment to an open election 
process, Taiwan serves as a strong example of democracy for not only 
the Asia-Pacific region, but also the world. Yet it is not just our 
commitment to democratic and constitutional values that ties our two 
countries together.
  In 2016, Taiwan ranked as the United States' 10th largest trading 
partner and 8th largest export market for U.S. agricultural products. 
In fact, Taiwan is Minnesota's 5th largest export market, with over 
$450 million in exports sent to our friends in 2016. This is a 
relationship I am proud to support and urge my colleagues to find areas 
where our two countries can partner to our mutual benefit.
  The framework for the United States' relationship with Taiwan, the 
Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, were crafted almost four 
decades ago, but our belief in their principles remains resolute. With 
continued commitment to this important relationship, I would like to 
again wish the people of Taiwan a Happy National Day.

                          ____________________