[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 163 (Tuesday, October 2, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2018

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, October 10, 2018 marks the 
107th National Day of the Republic of China, or ``Double Ten Day,'' as 
it is known in Chinese. On this auspicious day we not only have an 
opportunity to reflect on the bond between the American and Taiwanese 
people--our shared democratic values and historical partnership--but 
also look forward to strengthened ties of friendship and collaboration.
  Founded by Dr. Sun Yat-sen on October 10, 1911, the Republic of China 
stands as a beacon of freedom and democracy on the island of Taiwan, 
and as a positive counterexample to mainland China which, under Xi 
Jinping, has turned to greater repression and contempt for human 
rights.
  Let us not forget that the Republic of China, which had to endure 
many challenges and social upheavals during its tenure of rule in 
mainland China from 1911 to 1949, was the first allied country to be 
attacked in World War II. Our two countries locked arms and resisted 
the Imperial Japanese Army, with the first American aviators 
volunteering with Major General Claire Chennault and the fabled Flying 
Tigers to resist the Japanese from the air in 1941. Eventually, Japan 
and the Axis powers were defeated decisively, and the Republic of China 
became one of the founding members of the United Nations and attained a 
seat on the Security Council.
  Despite some hesitant steps on our part, we again stood together 
against the Communists led by Mao Zedong, both before and after the 
Republic established itself on Taiwan, from where it offered support to 
our forces resisting Communist tyranny on the Korean peninsula. In the 
ensuing decades, the Republic of China on Taiwan emerged from 
authoritarian rule to become the first authentically democratic nation 
in Chinese history.
  Taiwan has since become a beacon of hope and optimism in the Asia-
Pacific region. Its people enjoy all basic freedoms, including freedom 
of the press, assembly, and religion. Through the Taiwan Relations Act 
and the Six Assurances, the American people have strengthened our bond 
with the people of Taiwan. Recent Congressional endeavors, such as the 
Taiwan Travel Act--which I proudly cosponsored--undoubtedly will lead 
to further cooperation and friendship.
  It is perhaps because of Taiwan's democratic culture that China feels 
so threatened by it. Mainland China has launched a multi-dimensional 
campaign against Taiwan that includes many aggressive and provocative 
actions, such as the dispatching of warships, bombers, and fighter jets 
to encircle the island, as well as conducting live-fire military 
exercises near Taiwan's waters. Furthermore, in the diplomatic arena, 
China has worked assiduously to cut off Taiwan's diplomatic partners 
and block Taiwan from participating in international organizations. 
Taiwan has a comparative advantage in areas such as global health, and 
it is a travesty that for no other reason than to assuage China, Taiwan 
is prohibited from participating in critical fora such as the World 
Health Assembly. Now more than ever, Taiwan needs our support.
  Mr. Speaker, the moral and geopolitical case for Taiwan is strong and 
consistent with the Administration's commitment to build a free and 
open Indo-Pacific. Taiwan is a model of democracy, prosperity, rights 
protections, and the rule of law. Citizens of the Republic of China on 
Taiwan should know on its 107th anniversary that that the American 
people, and the Congress, stand with them.

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