[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17424-17425]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING TAIWAN ON THEIR 99TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, congratulations to Taiwan as they 
celebrate their 99th anniversary on October 10, 2010. We are happy to 
see such a vibrant democracy blossoming in East Asia.
  Due to the ubiquitous tension between Taiwan and China (neighbors 
across the Taiwan Straits) Taiwan's President Ma is in a very difficult 
position. Every day he must walk the tightrope between improving the 
relationship with mainland China and making sure that Taiwan does not 
lose its unique identity that makes their county so special.
  To this end, President Ma is handling the challenge masterfully. Many 
areas of the relationship between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and 
the People's Republic of China (mainland China) have improved 
dramatically since President Ma took office.
  Without question, the most significant evidence of the improved 
relations between China and Taiwan is The Economic Cooperation 
Framework Agreement (ECFA). This is a formal agreement between the two 
sides that aims to reduce commercial barriers and increase trade 
between the two countries. Three years ago this would not have been 
even thought of as possible, yet today this agreement is in effect as 
of September of this year.
  Additionally, the following are further evidences the improving 
relationship between Taiwan and China:
  Daily flights between the two countries are not only now occurring, 
but due to high demand, the number of flights and destinations have had 
to be increased.

[[Page 17425]]

  China, who blocked Taiwan's access to participate in any part of the 
World Health Organization (WHO) for the last 38 years, has granted 
Taiwan the honor of observer status at the World Health Assembly (WHA) 
arm of the WHO.
  Both China and Taiwan have agreed to share crime data and law 
enforcement services with one another to help reduce illegal activity 
in the area.
  All of this has been done while still allowing Taiwan to operate as 
an independent nation with its own government, military and currency.
  I ask my friends in Congress to congratulate Taiwan on their 99th 
anniversary as we hope to continue our friendship with them for their 
next 99 years.

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