[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 4]
[EXTENS]
[Page 5208]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


       IN HONOR OF THE 2016 NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PAUL A. GOSAR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2017

  Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition of 
the 38th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). Signed by 
President Carter on April 10, 1979, the TRA had strong support from 
Congress and that support remains strong to this day.
  One of the most important aspects of our friendship with Taiwan is 
trade. In 2016, trade between the United States and Taiwan accounted 
for an estimated $86.9 billion. In addition, Taiwan remains our 10th 
largest trading partner in the world. Because of this important 
relationship, an updated U.S.-Taiwan bilateral trade agreement would be 
an asset to our trade balance, our economic strength, and our strategic 
partnership with our ally Taiwan. We have had a great relationship with 
Taiwan over the years and it is my hope, and my expectation, that we 
will build on our partnership to create even more prosperity for 
America and Taiwan. I will work with both my colleagues in Congress and 
the President to move such an agreement to fruition.
  There has been--and remains--a unique balance for the United States 
in dealing with Taiwan, the Republic of China, and the People's 
Republic of China. We value our relationship with each as major trading 
partners and key allies in the war on terrorism and violent religious 
extremism. When Chinese President Xi visits the United States, our 
nation will welcome him and further our friendship, but we will not 
waiver in our friendship and strategic support of Taiwan.
  The Taiwan Relations Act is a cornerstone of our foreign relations in 
Asia and we will continue our long-term strategy of defending our 
allies, making new allies in the region, and promoting peace and 
prosperity through trade and defense policies.
  Mr. Speaker, it's an honor to recognize the anniversary of the TRA 
and the entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Taiwan.

                          ____________________