[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15877]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING TAIWAN'S 104TH NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2015

  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise, along with the other co-chairs of the 
Congressional Taiwan Caucus--Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, 
Representative Gerald E. Connolly, and Representative Gregg Harper--to 
commemorate the upcoming 104th National Day of the Republic of China 
(ROC) on October 10th. Marking this special occasion underscores the 
critical importance of the United States and Taiwan relationship 
throughout history.
  The pillars of United States cross-Strait policy are the 1979 Taiwan 
Relations Act and the 1982 Six Assurances. The United States supports 
peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the democratic 
institutions of Taiwan. Any future evolution in cross-Strait relations 
can only be achieved through the non-use of force and by respecting the 
will of the people of Taiwan. Further, we hope to continue to work with 
our colleagues in Congress on providing Taiwan access to meaningful 
participation in international organizations, such as in the World 
Health Organization (WHO) and International Civil Aviation Organization 
(ICAO).
  Mr. Speaker, as we observe the ROC's 104th National Day, we should 
use this occasion to rededicate ourselves to the tenets of our 
longstanding and close partnership with Taiwan. The commitment of the 
United States to provide Taiwan with a sufficient defensive capability 
under the Taiwan Relations Act is critical to both peace in the Taiwan 
Strait and regional stability. It also serves U.S. national interests 
as we continue to re-balance attention and resources to the Asia-
Pacific. Our commercial relationship with Taiwan, our tenth largest 
trading partner, will also be well-served by a framework of peace and 
stability in the region.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of Taiwan are noble, peaceful, and hard-
working. We invite our colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
learn more about our friendship with Taiwan and join the Congressional 
Taiwan Caucus, the largest nation-based caucus in the House of 
Representatives. Again, we are honored to rise today to celebrate the 
104th birthday to our great friend, Taiwan.

                          ____________________