Congratulations on the 37th Anniversary of the Enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, on April 10th, the United States and Taiwan celebrated the 37th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). This U.S. law, passed in 1979, codifies the enduring strength of the relationship between our two great peoples. Taiwan is one of America's oldest and most dependable partners in Asia. The U.S.-Taiwan relationship is based on our shared values and our common interest in stability and prosperity in East Asia. Taiwan is a young democracy, but its people have built a prosperous and free society with strong institutions, worthy of emulation and envy. I would also like to highlight that U.S.-Taiwan relations have been at its best since 1979, not only demonstrated at the government-to- government level, but also in grassroot and people-to-people connection. Just take our bilateral trade for example. Seven years ago this island of 23 million people was our 15th largest export partner. Now, Taiwan has grown to become our 9th largest overall trading partner and our 7th largest destination for agricultural exports. Also, Taiwan is the 5th largest export market for Asia in my home state of Tennessee. Moreover, Taiwan participated in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 2012. As a result, travel for business and pleasure from Taiwan to the United States jumped 35 percent in 2013 alone. With these robust and strong connections, I am not surprised that in the past three years there were 40 state legislative chambers that passed resolutions in support of our close relationship with Taiwan. I am proud that Tennessee was one of them and has the sister-state relationship with Taiwan. As our focus on the Asia-Pacific increases, we will maintain our commitment to TRA and continue to support Taiwan's freedom, democracy, and economic prosperity.

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