[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15748]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                RECOGNIZING TAIWAN'S 104TH NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDWARD R. ROYCE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2015

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the National Day of 
the Republic of China (Taiwan) on October 10. As we approach the 
commemoration of Taiwan's 104th National Day, it is appropriate that we 
take stock of the incredible progress Taiwan has made in recent 
decades.
  This year marked the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, and 
I am reminded that American servicemen stood side by side with 
servicemen from the Republic of China. From General Stilwell to the 
Flying Tigers, our two countries have a shared experience from that 
epic struggle, and today we share a commitment to democracy, rule of 
law, and human rights. Taiwan has consolidated its transition to a 
full-fledged representative democracy. Its success serves as an example 
of what can be built based on these principles, and that is why it is 
so important to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.
  Mr. Speaker, one of the most important ways the U.S. can show support 
for Taiwan is to protect Taiwan's international space. As such, I 
support Taiwan's aspiration to be included in a second round of the 
Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. Taiwan is a responsible 
nation which abides by international laws and norms of conduct, and 
seeks to foster peace and contribute to aid efforts in a challenging 
region of the world. It is the U.S.'s tenth largest trading partner and 
Los Angeles County's fourth largest, and an obvious candidate for 
inclusion in the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Given all the two-way trade 
and business between the U.S. and Taiwan, I actively supported Taiwan's 
entry into the Visa Waiver Program and passed legislation to make 
Taiwan an observer to the International Civil Aviation Organization. I 
am now supporting legislation for Taiwan to join INTERPOL as an 
observer to increase the safety and efficiency of our people and 
commerce.
  As Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I have made the U.S.-
Taiwan relationship a top priority. Last March, I led a seven member 
bipartisan congressional delegation to Taipei to reaffirm the U.S.-
Taiwan relationship. It was my third visit in as many years. I am also 
proud to represent one of the largest Taiwanese American communities in 
the country. The community serves as a bridge of cultural, familial, 
and business ties to Taiwan and is at the heart of U.S.-Taiwan 
relations.
  On this important day, we reaffirm the strength of U.S.-Taiwan 
relations, and America's steadfast commitment to the Taiwan Relations 
Act which has underpinned the relationship for thirty-six years. We are 
committed to provide for Taiwan's self-defense, and I am dedicated to 
ensuring that we abide by our promise to provide the defense items to 
Taiwan that it needs.
  Today, I am honored to rise in support of our great friend, Taiwan. 
We join the people of Taiwan in the celebration of their National Day, 
recognize the shared strengths of the relationship, and salute the 
strong friendship between the U.S. and Taiwan.




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