Celebration of U.S.-Taiwan Relationship

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to celebrate the strong relationship between Taiwan and the United States. With the 70th anniversary of the ending of World War II this year and the 36th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act on April 10, we can reflect how this relationship has been beneficial for both countries.

Prior to World War II, America recognized the importance of protecting the Chinese people from invaders. In 1940, the U.S. operated a clandestine air support mission to protect the citizens of the Republic of China, carried out by a courageous volunteer group of pilots. Known as the Flying Tigers, this group became the 14th Air Force and included my father, the late First Lieutenant Hugh Wilson.

America is eternally grateful that the Chinese military in 1942 rescued most of the crews after 15 U.S. planes crashed in China following the Doolittle Raid, which had been formed at Columbia Army Air Base, South Carolina.

Today, I am encouraging everyone to recognize the critical importance of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and its continuation.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President by his actions never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source