[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   REAFFIRMING THE COMMITMENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO TAIWAN ON THE 
OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE NEW OFFICE OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN 
                                 TAIWAN

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. GREGG HARPER

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2018

  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as co-chair of the bipartisan 
Congressional Taiwan Caucus to reaffirm the commitment of the United 
States to Taiwan on the occasion of the opening of the new office of 
the American Institute in Taiwan.
  The Taiwan Relations Act was signed into law on April 10, 1979, 
codifying the foundation to preserve and promote continued economic, 
cultural, and strategic bonds between the United States and Taiwan. The 
United States and Taiwan have forged closer economic and security 
relations over the years based on our shared commitment to democracy, 
the rule of law, and free market principles; and Taiwan's willingness 
to partner in efforts to combat global terrorism and to address other 
global challenges. The United States is now Taiwan's largest investor 
and its second largest trading partner. Taiwan consistently ranks as a 
leading trading partner of the United States and Taiwan is a strategic 
destination for our agricultural exports. Taiwan is a significant 
economic and security partner of the United States in East Asia, and we 
look forward to Taiwan playing a key role in our Free and Open Indo-
Pacific Strategy.
  The Taiwan Relations Act further authorized the establishment of the 
American Institute in Taiwan to be responsible for implementing United 
States policy toward Taiwan as well as providing consular services to 
American expatriates. On June 12, 2018, the American Institute in 
Taiwan is scheduled to hold an inaugural ceremony for the opening of 
its new office in Taipei's Neihu district. This new facility is a 
reflection of the United States' enduring commitment to Taiwan.
  Mr. Speaker, as the American Institute in Taiwan opens a new office 
in Taiwan, let us reaffirm that the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six 
Assurances are and will remain cornerstones of United States relations 
with Taiwan. I urge the executive branch to implement the policy set 
forth in the Taiwan Travel Act, which would allow United States 
officials to travel without restrictions to meet with their 
counterparts in Taiwan, and for Taiwanese officials to do likewise with 
respect to travel to the United States. I would like to point out the 
sense of Congress contained in the National Defense Authorization Act 
for FY 2018 that the State and Defense Departments' review of arms 
sales to Taiwan be handled in a manner consistent with standard 
processes and procedures for sales to other countries, and express 
gratitude to Taiwan for its partnership in combating global terrorism 
and addressing other global challenges through the Global Cooperation 
and Training Framework and other initiatives.
  Finally, I would like to congratulate the American Institute in 
Taiwan on the upcoming opening of its new office in Taipei's Neihu 
district, and give our thanks to the Taiwanese officials who helped 
facilitate the site selection and construction of the facilities.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in expressing support 
for a continued strong relationship between the United States and 
Taiwan.

                          ____________________