[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 99 (Thursday, June 14, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              AIT NEW COMPOUND OPENING CEREMONY ON JUNE 12

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                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2018

  Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the grand 
opening ceremony for the new compound of the American Institute in 
Taiwan (AIT) this week. The United States and Taiwan have enjoyed a 
fruitful partnership for decades, and I am confident that our 
partnership will only grow stronger with this new facility.
  Our two countries' partnership has flourished because of our shared 
commitment to democratic values and constitutional governments. Taiwan 
serves as a strong example of democracy not only for the region, but 
also the world. We must never take democracy for granted; we must 
remain vigilant in protecting and strengthening it.
  Our nations are also bound together by immigration, travel, and 
trade. More than 350,000 Taiwanese live in the United States, and an 
estimated 4,000 Americans live in Taiwan. Nearly 3,000 of my 
constituents were born in Taiwan. Additionally, Taiwan is the United 
States' 11th largest trading partner, and in 2017, Taiwanese businesses 
invested $34 billion in the United States. Travel, especially air 
travel, helps to further strengthen the bonds between the United States 
and Taiwan. In that sense, I am very pleased that the Ontario 
International Airport, located in California's 35th district, now 
offers direct flights to Taiwan.
  This is a relationship I am proud to support, and I am committed to 
working with my colleagues to find additional areas where our two 
countries can partner to our mutual benefit. This week's opening 
ceremony is an important step, and I am confident that it will 
contribute to the strengthening of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership

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