[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 16814]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, recently the people of Taiwan celebrated 
their National Day, marked by celebrations, parades, and fireworks 
befitting its importance as a national holiday. This occasion offers a 
timely opportunity to reflect on the state of our bilateral 
relationship with Taiwan, which has been a cooperative and warm 
relationship over many decades.
  In this rapidly evolving 21st-century global economy and with 
Taiwan's economic significance having steadily grown, it is important 
for our two nations to further resolve our bilateral trade issues. 
While some progress has been made through our trade and investment 
framework agreement, the continued resolution of outstanding trade 
issues could help pave the way for even deeper ties, including the 
possibility of a bilateral investment agreement.
  Concurrently, the U.S. Trade Representative recently wrapped up the 
19th round of negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. I welcome 
Taiwan's interest in the TPP--an interest that we hope will serve as a 
catalyst for Taiwan to continue making progress toward meeting its 
existing trade commitments so that it may be in a position to meet the 
higher level requirements of the TPP.
  Taiwan continues to be an important friend and ally of the United 
States, and we look forward to strengthening those ties.

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