[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17452]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         THE 99TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN)

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, on October 10th, the Republic of China 
will celebrate National Day, this year marking their 99th anniversary. 
The United States of American and Taiwan enjoy a close and strong 
relationship based on shared democratic values and free market 
economies.
  I salute the people of Taiwan for their recent achievements, 
including the completion on June 29 of the Economic Cooperation 
Framework Agreement (ECFA) with China. Improving relations between 
Taiwan and mainland China have greatly reduced tension across the 
Taiwan Strait.
  While welcome, the improved relations between the two sides does not 
eliminate the need for the United States to continue to help Taiwan's 
defense capabilities under the Taiwan Relations Act. We should continue 
to aid Taiwan in replacing its aging air force. According to the most 
recent Department of Defense report on Taiwan's military power, China 
continues to enjoy air superiority over Taiwan.
  It is also my view that we must support Taiwan's participation in 
global affairs by supporting Taiwan and its 23,000,000 people in 
becoming a member of the United Nations. An internationally visible 
Taiwan is a strong Taiwan.
  Today, Taiwan is a major trading partner and friend. Our strong 
economic and cultural ties go back nearly a hundred years. We hope that 
this strong bond will continue for another 100 years and more.

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