In Honor of Taiwan's Centennial National Day

Floor Speech

* Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I extend my congratulations and best wishes to President Ma Ying-jeou on the occasion of Republic of China (Taiwan)'s Centennial National Day. This national holiday commemorates the 1911 Wu-ch'ang uprising that ended centuries of monarchy and led to the birth of the Republic of China.

* Taiwan and the United States enjoy a robust relationship that reflects our two countries' historical, cultural and economic ties over the last century. Despite lack of formal relations between the two countries, the United States and Taiwan continue to be strong partners in trade, cultural and educational exchanges as well as cooperation in many other areas. Taiwan's cooperation with the United States in combating global terrorism has earned the trust of the American people and boosted exchanges and friendship between our two nations. Such relations also extend to discussions over Taiwan's military needs. A strong Taipei-Washington relationship is in both governments' best interests for the stability of East Asia. Last year, we celebrated the 31st anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations.

* My additional congratulations to the people of Taiwan for their continued participation in the World Health Assembly meetings this May in Geneva. I hope Taiwan will also soon join the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

* I join my fellow colleagues in wishing the people of Taiwan a joyous Centennial National Day celebration and look forward to expanding our strong relationship.

Source