[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5762]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATING 38TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2017

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 38th 
Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), the pillar upon which 
our robust friendship with Taiwan stands.
  The United States and Taiwan share the common interests and values of 
freedom, democracy, rule of laws, human rights and free market. Our 
security commitment has helped Taiwan become one of the most free and 
prosperous societies in the world. The United States enjoys cooperation 
with Taiwan on a broad range of concerns, including security, economic 
cooperation and development, global engagement, humanitarian relief, 
counter-terrorism, people-to-people exchanges--and the list goes on. It 
is my firm belief that a strong and prosperous Taiwan will guarantee 
peace and prosperity in the region.
  As we commemorate the 38th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, 
it is in the national interest of the United States to take decisive 
action to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations.
  I also noticed that the President of the Peoples Republic of China, 
Xi Jinping is visiting the United States to visit with our President. 
It is my hope that the upcoming meeting is positive and constructive. 
U.S. engagement with the PRC is important to the peace and stability of 
the region. We should always hope and insist that the U.S.-Taiwan 
relations, and Taiwan's security and interests, are not in any way 
compromised.
  Taiwan is a great friend of the United States. Taiwan is and will 
continue to be a friend of the United States.

                          ____________________