[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6813]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     PRAISE FOR TAIWANESE ELECTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2012

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, as Taiwan prepares for its Presidential 
inauguration on May 20, I'd like to congratulate our friends in Taiwan 
for the smooth conclusion of their presidential election on January 14, 
when Mr. Ma Ying-jeou won a second term as President of Taiwan.
  For over half a century, the United States and Taiwan have enjoyed 
strong relations over economic and security issues. Our shared interest 
in peace and stability has guided the relationship, and our commitment 
to Taiwan's security, as stated in the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, has 
enabled Taiwan to build a strong democratic government which serves as 
a symbol of success for others in the region and beyond. Similarly, 
Taiwan's economic partnership with us has been extremely beneficial. 
Taiwan is currently our tenth largest trading partner, with over $68 
billion in total bilateral trade.
  During Mr. Ma's second term, I hope our relationship with Taiwan will 
continue to flourish in areas as diverse as trade, military 
cooperation, and the Visa Waiver Program.
  Congratulations to Mr. Ma and the people of Taiwan.

                          ____________________