36th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor an important friend and staunch ally of the United States: Taiwan, as we celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) of 1979.

This important legislation remains to be the cornerstone of U.S.--Taiwan relations. It stipulates that it is the policy of the United States to ``make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.''
In 2001, the Bush Administration agreed to help Taiwan o

btain eight diesel-electric submarines. Fourteen years later, Taiwan's submarine fleet continues to consist of four submarines, two of Dutch construction from the 1980s, and two ex-U.S. Navy Guppy-class boats built at the end of World War II. As Beijing has not disavowed the use of force to one day take possession of Taiwan, as Beijing has rapidly expanded and modernized its military across the board since the beginning of this century, and as the balance of military power in the Taiwan Strait continues to shift in Beijing's favor, the rationale for Taiwan to acquire a robust submarine force in order to defend itself from any amphibious threats is obvious.

Late last year, Taiwan decided that it can wait no longer, and is moving ahead with plans to design its own submarine fleet. I believe the U.S. Government should allow American shipbuilders and submarine-technology manufacturers to work with Taiwan, both to assess Taiwan's capabilities and to bid on systems work. Finally, I urge the Obama Administration to encourage other manufacturers of diesel-electric subs to work with Taiwan, regardless of pressure from Beijing.

As we celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, I am honored to have had the opportunity today to lend my voice to the chorus of support for reaffirming our nation's strong bond with the government and people of Taiwan, and I ask my colleagues to support this important issue over the course of this Congress.

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