[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 172 (Friday, October 19, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF THE 107TH NATIONAL DAY OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GEORGE HOLDING

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 19, 2018

  Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 107th 
National Day of Taiwan and its relationship with the United States.
  The United States and Taiwan have enjoyed a prosperous relationship, 
with our two countries working together in support of enhanced 
security, trade, and economic prosperity. In 2017, Taiwan was ranked as 
the 11th largest trading partner of the United States and the 7th 
largest market for US agricultural products. Numerous jobs in the 
United States are supported by investment from Taiwan affiliates and by 
exports of U.S. goods and services to Taiwan. It is clear to me that, 
as we strengthen our relationship with Taiwan, we succeed in advancing 
United States interests.
  People-to-people ties between citizens of the United States and of 
Taiwan form an important bond between the two nations. There are about 
150 sister cities between the United States and Taiwan, connecting our 
two societies on a global level. In addition, travel for business and 
pleasure from Taiwan to the United States has increased 50 percent 
since Taiwan became a member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 
November 2012. Additionally, Taiwanese students represent a significant 
demographic of international students studying in the United States.
  The formational policies for the United States' relationship with 
Taiwan, the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, were crafted 
almost four decades ago, and continue to be the foundation of this 
bilateral relationship. The people-to-people engagement and mutually 
beneficial commercial transactions are the mortar that fortifies the 
relationship. Today I remind my colleagues that we have a valuable ally 
in Taiwan.

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