[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15456]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN)

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to 
commemorate the National Day of the Republic of China, commonly known 
as Taiwan. National Day is on October 10, when the people of Taiwan 
will celebrate the birth of their country. I am proud to memorialize 
this significant milestone here in Congress in tribute to the great 
spirit and pride of the people of Taiwan, our close friend and ally. 
The alliance between Taiwan and the United States is strong but I 
believe it is time to take even bolder steps to improve and enrich our 
cooperation on a range of important issues that confront both of our 
nations.
  Already our 12th-largest trading partner, we should be acting 
aggressively to enhance our economic relationship with Taiwan in ways 
that will benefit both our nations. A Bilateral Investment Agreement 
with Taiwan is long overdue and I urge the Administration to conclude 
negotiations in an expeditious manner so that our two nations can sign 
an agreement as soon as possible. In addition to bolstering Taiwan's 
economic strength, there is much more the United States can do to 
support our democratic ally politically and militarily. We must support 
Taiwan's democracy and the human rights of the Taiwanese people by 
providing the tools and assistance necessary to resist Chinese 
coercion. The United States should help to modernize Taiwan's defense 
capabilities by building its capacity to partner with other friendly 
foreign militaries and through the sale of necessary defense articles. 
We can also support Taiwan by encouraging visits by high-level 
officials between our nations and supporting the meaningful 
participation of Taiwan in international organizations.
  Along with my colleagues Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, Albio 
Sires, Gerry Connolly, and John Carter, the co-Chairs of the 
Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I have introduced legislation called the 
Taiwan Policy Act that would accomplish these objectives, strengthening 
the U.S.-Taiwan relationship politically, economically, and militarily. 
As Taiwan's National Day approaches, let us use this auspicious 
occasion to find ways to improve our relations even further. Taiwan is 
a beacon of freedom in the Pacific and we cannot afford to support 
Taiwan any less than to the best of our ability. Happy Double Ten Day, 
Taiwan.

                          ____________________