[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 159 (Wednesday, September 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATING TAIWAN ON THE 107TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TED LIEU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 26, 2018

  Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
the people of Taiwan as they celebrate the 107th anniversary of its 
National Day on October 10, 2018.
  We just celebrated the 39th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act 
(TRA) this past April. The TRA was intended by Congress to endure an 
important relationship between close friends and allies. I am heartened 
by the strengthening of ties that have taken place since the enactment 
of the TRA, notably Taiwan's admission to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program 
in 2012. Travel from Taiwan to the United States has since increased by 
50 percent.
  Our close ties are underscored by our shared commitment to democratic 
values. With the success of its sixth direct presidential election in 
2016, Taiwan continues to serve as a beacon of vibrant democracy in the 
Asia-Pacific region. There are now 150 sister cities between the United 
States and Taiwan. In 2017, Taiwan became the third in East Asia and 
twelfth worldwide whose passport holders are eligible for the U.S. 
Global Entry Program. In addition, Taiwan is the United States' seventh 
largest source of international students. Correspondingly, many of our 
students participate in study abroad opportunities in Taiwan.
  The United States has also forged an important bond with Taiwan in 
commerce. In 2017, trade in goods between the United States and Taiwan 
exceeded $68 billion, making Taiwan the United States' 11th largest 
goods trading partner. Just this past September, Taiwan sent an 
agricultural trade mission to the United States in pursuit of $300 
million worth of soybeans purchases.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating our friend, Taiwan, 
on this significant occasion.

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