[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5363]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SCOTT DesJARLAIS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2014

  Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and commemorate 
the 35th Anniversary of the passage and signing of the Taiwan Relations 
Act (TRA) on April 10, 1979. I would also like to congratulate and 
welcome Mr. Lyushun Shen as the incoming Representative for Taipei 
Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United 
States.
  The TRA has molded our relations with Taiwan and has provided the 
backbone for a productive and constructive partnership between our two 
countries.
  The ability of the people of Taiwan to defend themselves has been the 
hallmark of the TRA's success and has led to a sustained peace and 
stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as in the Western Pacific. In 
an ever evolving geo-political environment, we must recognize the 
continuing importance of Taiwan's self-defense needs going forward to 
ensure that peace continues to prevail.
  In addition, with our commitment to Taiwan under the TRA, Taiwan has 
developed into a democracy with a flourishing economy and free market 
system. In 2012, the bilateral trade volume reached $63 billion, making 
Taiwan the United States' 11th largest trading partner. Taiwan's 
commitment to free market principles, demonstrative economic power, and 
role as a global supply chain hub make it an important partner in 
international trade.
  The security and stability in the region, along with Taiwan's 
commitment to free market policies, have resulted in unprecedented 
economic growth. Taiwan's commitment and participation in international 
free trade should not only be lauded, but should be bolstered around 
the globe. I look forward to Taiwan's continued growth as a trade 
partner and celebrate its relationship with the United States.

                          ____________________