Recognizing Taiwan's National Day

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish the people of Taiwan and Americans celebrating the upcoming Taiwan National Day on October 10th a Happy Double Ten Day.

In the decades preceding and following the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, the United States and Taiwan built a strong relationship that cannot be broken--a bond born out of our shared values and cooperation with one another in times of crisis, and in times of advancement.

Taiwan has transformed itself into a model of democracy with a respect for human rights, freedom of speech, rule of law, and a market economy. Americans share these core values with Taiwan--the foundation of our strong relationship. Taiwan is a multidimensional success story and has shown that democracy can work in China.

The United States and Taiwan have a long-standing and vibrant trade relationship. Taiwan is the United States' 9th largest goods trading partner. In 2020, two-way goods trade between the United States and Taiwan totaled $90.9 billion while goods and services trade between the countries totaled $106 billion the same year. Taiwan is one of the largest Asian markets for Nebraska's agricultural exports. Nebraskan companies have an abundant opportunity to expand their business and cooperation with Taiwan. I will continue to work with our friends in Taiwan to find areas where we can partner to our mutual benefit.

This is a day to celebrate, and to be optimistic. I ask my colleagues to join me in recommitting to a robust U.S.-Taiwan relationship, and in wishing Taiwan a Happy Double Ten Day.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source