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Mr. Speaker, on October 10th Taiwan celebrates its National Day, commonly referred to as ``Double Ten Day'' because of its occurrence on the tenth day of the tenth month. On Double Ten Day, Taiwanese citizens pause and honor its first glimpse of becoming an independent and self-governing country.
Exactly six months ago, on April 10th, the United States and Taiwan celebrated a special anniversary--the 35th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. This bill passed Congress and was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. The Taiwan Relations Act was crucial in establishing a legal relationship between our country and that of Taiwan.
The Taiwan Relations Act has been mutually beneficial to both the United States and Taiwan--boosting our economies and establishing a confidence of protection to the newly-established democracy of Taiwan.
The people of Taiwan have contributed to our thriving economy in many ways--and for that, we are grateful. In fact, just last year, Taiwan imported nearly $26 billion worth of American goods. In Ohio alone we have reached over $450 million from exports to Taiwan--making the country Ohio's 5th largest Asian export market.
We are grateful for Taiwan's friendship and look forward to many more years of this successful partnership.
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