[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15572]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDWARD R. ROYCE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 9, 2013

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 102nd National 
Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Also known as ``Double Ten 
Day,'' this important anniversary marks a special occasion for the good 
people of Taiwan.
  Taiwan is a modern-day success story that exemplifies the prosperity 
and opportunity that comes from a strong commitment to the rule of law, 
democracy, and human rights. I know that the people of Taiwan are 
rightfully proud of these achievements, and I will stand with them to 
preserve the free and open society that exists there. Indeed, Taiwan 
has come a long way in a short time. This is why it is more important 
than ever to strengthen the United States' relationship with Taiwan.
  The U.S.-Taiwan relationship is the cornerstone of American foreign 
policy in the Asia-Pacific region. Earlier this year, I led the 
successful bipartisan effort to end over four decades of isolation for 
Taiwan at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), because 
safety in international air travel should not be held hostage to 
geopolitics. I commend the President for signing this important 
legislation into law, and I am even more excited that as a direct 
result of our efforts in Congress, Taiwan has finally been invited to 
participate in ICAO this year. It is the first time since 1971 that 
this has happened.
  Mr. Speaker, the U.S. enjoys a very positive and productive economic 
relationship with Taiwan. It comes as no surprise that Taiwan is 
America's 11th largest trading partner. In fact, in my home State of 
California, the two-way trade with Taiwan is even more significant, 
particularly with so many Taiwanese visitors travelling to the U.S. 
under the Visa Waiver Program. Given the importance of our trading 
relationship, I urge the Administration to quickly finish the ongoing 
U.S.-Taiwan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement negotiations and 
move on to a broader, more comprehensive Bilateral Investment Agreement 
with Taiwan.
  As we join with the people of Taiwan in celebration of Double Ten 
Day, it is important to remember that the bond between the U.S. and 
Taiwan remains vibrant and strong. As a longtime friend of Taiwan, I 
know that Taiwan's national day is a very special occasion for 
Taiwanese people living all over the world. So, as we mark the 102nd 
National Day of Taiwan, let us salute the strong friendship between the 
U.S. and Taiwan, and let us recognize the shared strengths that make 
this relationship one of the most important.

                          ____________________