Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act.

Madam Speaker, on March 24, 2009, the House of Representatives passed H. Con. Res. 55--recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA)--unanimously by voice vote. The Members of this House have spoken in one voice affirming the need to further deepen the relationship between the United States and Taiwan.

This anniversary is an important milestone and represents an incredible opportunity for us to further build upon and strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. On April 12, 2009, President MaYing-jeou in his address on the anniversary of the TRA declared ``the TRA has come to symbolize the strong friendship and trust forged between America and Taiwan over these past decades'' and the TRA has served as an anchor of ``peace and stability.''

In his address, President Ma laid out the historical and political significance of the TRA and the diplomatic path hewed by its enactment:

The TRA was enacted in 1979 by the U.S. Congress to cope

with the Taiwan situation after the U.S. had switched

diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. It replaced

the terribly inadequate arrangement of the Carter

Administration, by keeping all aspects of the Taiwan-U.S.

relationship intact except, of course, formal diplomatic

ties, a mutual defense treaty and the stationing of American

troops in Taiwan. One American commentator said in 1979 that

while the U.S.-China Joint Communique establishing diplomatic

relations derecognized Taiwan, the Taiwan Relations Act has

re-recognized it. My Harvard professor Detlev Vagt said to me

after the passing of the TRA that Taiwan is the most

recognized unrecognized government of the U.S.

In an imperfect world, the TRA, which largely accommodates

Taiwan's needs for continuity, reality, security, legality

and governmental status in the new Taiwan-U.S. relationship,

is the second-best choice for Taiwan. Today the TRA is more

than a convenient solution to a political dilemma. Its very

existence changed the evolutionary course of cross-strait

development by stabilizing the triangular relationship among

Taiwan, the United States and mainland China.

President Ma also addressed the need to promote Taiwan's economic growth and to take the necessary steps to ensure Taiwan's rightful place in our global economy:

We believe that rapprochement with mainland China will

improve Taiwan's prospects for expanding our international

space. Certainly, the international community will benefit

significantly from this change, whether by capitalizing on

the new business opportunities thereby made available or

simply by no longer being caught in volatile cross-strait

relations. For example, the establishment of the Three Links

has made it logistically feasible and economically cost-

effective to fly, ship or send mail across the Taiwan Strait.

The establishment of direct cross-strait travel and

transport provides an incentive for the international

community to include Taiwan in regional economic arrangements

in East Asia. In fact, right after we inaugurated the Three

Links across the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan was able to join the

Government Procurement Agreement last December, which we had

been unable to participate in when we became a member of the

World Trade Organization six years ago. This new development

is good news to many potential foreign investors in the U.S.,

Japan and Europe.

The United States interest will always be in the defense of democracy and in honoring our

commitment to the protection of democratic institutions and peoples. President Ma also expressed his commitment to these same principles:

In fact, Taiwan has much to offer foreign investors. We are

a country with a sophisticated legal infrastructure, a

democratically open and stable political system and a viable

and liberal economy.

We therefore want to end Taiwan's isolation from the world

by putting our economic relations with the Chinese mainland

on a more normal footing. At the same time, the more

contentious political issues will be left on the back burner.

We will put off political talks until after a firm foundation

for economic, cultural and educational exchanges has been

established and buttressed by reciprocal trust and confidence

on both sides.

Strengthening the relationship between the United States and Taiwan is essential. This Congress must continue to remain firm in our commitment to Taiwan and meet our obligations under the TRA, as President Ma expressed:

Undoubtedly, the resilience of the TRA and the recent

cross-strait detente have opened new opportunities for

Taiwan, the U.S. and the mainland to pave a common path

towards cooperation, instead of confrontation. This new

equilibrium can result in a win-win-win situation for all

sides. Obviously, America's role is pivotal. For peace

negotiations to continue, the United States is well advised

to not only reaffirm but also bolster its commitments under

the TRA. The newfound rapprochement with the mainland only

means we must with equal, if not greater, effort work to

fortify U.S.-Taiwan relations on the basis of mutual trust.

This I believe calls for an expansion of bilateral

interaction especially at higher levels so as to always

guarantee clear communication and better cooperation.

Furthermore, a strong commitment in U.S. arms sales and

support for expanding Taiwan's international space will

enhance our position in face of a power imbalance now rapidly

developing across the strait.

Therefore, we come here today not only to commemorate a

historic point in cross-strait relations, but, more

importantly, to celebrate the endurance of Taiwan-U.S.

relations. The strength of the TRA is more vital and crucial

at this critical juncture of development than ever before.

U.S.-Taiwan relations, the stability of the status quo and

even the entire region hangs in the balance. Therefore, I

call on Taiwan and the United States to continue to honor the

commitments that have bound their destinies together in

common friendship and interest for the past three decades.

Madam Speaker, it is my express hope that as we move forward from this 30th Anniversary, the United States and Taiwan will continue to recognize the importance of our shared destinies and act accordingly for the preservation and promotion of our shared values.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution recognizing one of our strongest partners in business and in democracy, Taiwan. I would like to thank my colleague Shelley Berkley of Nevada for her continued strong leadership on issues affecting Taiwan, and Asia in general.

Whether you refer to it as the Republic of China, Formosa or Taiwan, this is a free society that has been a beacon of light and freedom in the Taiwan Strait.

April 10, 2009 will mark the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, codifying in law the basis for continued commercial, cultural, and other relations between the United States and the Republic of China, or Taiwan. The Taiwan Relations Act has been instrumental in maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Taiwan Strait since its enactment in 1979.

When the Taiwan Relations Act was enacted, it affirmed that the United States decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China was based on the expectation that the future of Taiwan would be determined by peaceful means. I truly believe that all of Asia wants the future of Taiwan to be peaceful and that this glorious society continues to be a beacon of light, freedom and commercial opportunity.

My district in Texas is home to a very strong Taiwanese American community, and while I understand that Texas is not known for it's Asian population, it is very vital and an important part of the tapestry of diversity that the state of Texas must get recognition for.

The Taiwan Relations Act makes it a policy of the United States to provide defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability. Our continued desire is that these articles remain unused.

The Taiwan Relations Act also makes it a policy of the United States to maintain the capacity to resist any resort to force or other

forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people of Taiwan. That is why we must remain vigilant on what happens in the Taiwan Strait. This is still one of the most peaceful and prosperous areas of the world. It also has one of the most steadily growing populations.

Taiwan's democracy has deepened with the second peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another after the presidential election in March 2008. The new President has made it a point of fostering an atmosphere of peace and.harmony, while seeking to secure Taiwan's place as an economic growth engine. This is particularly important when the global economy is faltering.

The relationship between the United States and Taiwan has strengthened with Taiwan's evolution into a free society and a full- fledged, multi-party democracy and the development of Taiwan's robust free-market economy, with Taiwan becoming the 9th largest trading partner of the United States in 2007 and imports from the United States in that year totaling over $26 billion. Our economic and trading relationship is one of our most important to both Taiwan and to the United States.

Also Taiwan's determined effort and collaboration with the United States to combat global terrorism, as demonstrated in part by its participation in the Container Security Initiative and its generous contribution to the Pentagon Memorial Fund are further evidence of our strong partnership.

I would also cite the leadership role Taiwan has demonstrated in addressing transnational and global challenges, including its active engagement in humanitarian relief measures, public health endeavors, environmental protection initiatives, and financial market stabilization efforts.

These reasons are why it is important that we continue to pursue peace and harmony in this region and why Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made Asia her first overseas trip in her new role. The symbolism is not lost on our Asian partners and why we must support this resolution.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, to start the discussion on our side of the aisle, I'm honored to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida, my colleague, Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, who is the co-chair of the House Taiwan Caucus as well as a prime sponsor of this important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I would now like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), who is the ranking member of our Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia.

Mr. Speaker, I would now like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida, my colleague, Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart, who is also a sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the ranking member of our Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade.

I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from California.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support as an original cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 55. This resolution recognizes the Taiwan Relations Act as the cornerstone of the unbreakable relations which exist today between the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan.

The Taiwan Relations Act stands out as one of the key pieces of foreign policy legislation passed by Congress in the 20th century.

Congress was prompted to act by the decision of President Jimmy Carter to suddenly cut off, as of January 1, 1979, our historic relations with a traditional ally, and to provide nothing further for its continued security nor defensive needs.

Taiwan has stood with the United States, both during the Second World War and in the Cold War, yet little thought was given to the fate of the then approximately 18 million people living on the island. Is this the way to treat an old friend? The response from the House of Representatives 30 years ago was a resounding ``no.''

On March 28, 1979, the House passed the Taiwan Relations Act by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 339-50. It is this anniversary that we commemorate this coming Saturday and, in so doing, Mr. Speaker, reaffirm our commitment to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and our support for the defensive needs of the Taiwanese people.

Thirty years ago Taiwan was put forward as the sacrificial lamb for our own apprehensions, ready to be surrendered to Beijing's unyielding demands. The Taiwan Relations Act put an end to that defeatist way of thinking.

In the three decades since the Taiwan Relations Act, Mr. Speaker, the economic and democratic evolution of Taiwan has been beyond even the most optimistic projections at that time. Taiwan's robust, free-market economy made the island the ninth largest trading partner of the United States in 2007.

Taiwan, as a young democracy with a record of two peaceful transitions of power, is blossoming amidst a sea of Chinese communism. It has become a beacon of hope to all who aspire to democracy in the Chinese cultural world.

Now, more than ever, we must ensure that our robust ties with the people of Taiwan are maintained and even strengthened. Now, more than ever, we must ensure that the people of Taiwan are provided with defensive weapons needed to ensure that no sudden change in the status quo by the use of force undermines their political aspirations. Now, more than ever, we must ensure that Congress is fully consulted on a regular basis on both our overall relations with Taiwan, and our planned future arms sales.

The best means to achieve these goals, Mr. Speaker, is through overwhelming Congressional support for this resolution as a sign of our unwavering recommitment to the Taiwan Relations Act on its 30th anniversary.

Let us send a strong, unequivocal message to Beijing that we are unwavering in our commitment to democracy, to free markets, and to the people of Taiwan. Now more than ever, we must all stand by Taiwan on this important anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 55) recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution and yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, this resolution recognizes the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act 30 years ago and reaffirms congressional support for that law. I would like to thank my good friend, Representative Shelley Berkley of Nevada, for her leadership both as cochair of the Taiwan Caucus and as the chief sponsor of this resolution.

The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 forms the official basis for friendship and cooperation between the United States and Taiwan. It has been instrumental in maintaining peace and security across the Taiwan Straits and in East Asia. Since the lifting of martial law in 1987, Taiwan has evolved into a robust and lively democracy. The U.S.-Taiwan relationship, once based solely on shared interests, is now based on shared values.

This remarkable political evolution proves beyond any doubt that the notion of ``Asian values,'' often used to justify one-man or one-party rule, is a fallacy. Taiwan's democratic ideals have become even more engrained in its national identity following its second peaceful transfer of power in last year's presidential election.

Taiwan has also developed into a vibrant free-market economy and a major trading partner of the United States. Taiwan's impressive political and economic achievements give it the potential to play a very constructive role in international affairs. I would urge that special consideration be given to Taiwan's desire to gain observer status at the World Health Assembly later this spring.

Taiwan has extremely important social and economic ties with China, and it would benefit both governments to take additional steps towards reducing cross-Strait tensions. The act was enacted 30 years ago with the expectation that the future of Taiwan would be determined only by peaceful means. It is encouraging that China's top leadership recently stated that it was ready to hold talks with Taiwan to create conditions for ending hostilities and concluding a peace agreement between the two sides.

I applaud this development and urge China to do more to reach out to both the government and the people of Taiwan. I'm confident that the Taiwan Relations Act will remain the cornerstone of our very close friendship with Taiwan. I strongly support this resolution. I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the sponsor of the resolution, the gentlelady from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers on the floor now, so I will reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, we have no further requests for time, so I will reserve to the ranking member.

Mr. Speaker, I urge strong support for the resolution, an ``aye'' vote, and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I also rise in strong support of this resolution addressing the recent natural disaster of typhoon winds and mudslides that struck Taiwan. This resolution expresses our sincere condolences to our Taiwanese friends who lost loved ones, homes, and businesses due to the devastation which struck the island on August 8. At least 602 people were killed, 81 others are missing, and over 190,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in the fury of the storm and in the aftermath of mudslides. Over 100 inches of rain turned streams into raging rivers which destroyed everything in their path. Whole villages were inundated by floodwaters and mud.

But, Mr. Speaker, the people of the United States feel those sympathies even more deeply today at a time when so many of our fellow Americans are suffering from tragic and deadly flooding in Georgia and Tennessee, and our deepest condolences go to our neighbors in the South.

On Taiwan, it is noteworthy that for the first time since official ties with Taiwan were severed in 1979, the United States dispatched humanitarian relief to the island to aid the victims of the typhoon. In response to this critical emergency for our Taiwan friends, the U.S. Marine Corps, based in Okinawa, sent two C-130s to southern Taiwan to deliver relief supplies. The amphibious transport ship USS Denver was also dispatched to the area and provided helicopters to engage in humanitarian operations as well. Thus, these deeply tragic circumstances served as a means to demonstrate the enduring, the unbreakable ties which exist between the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan.

In this 30th anniversary year of the Taiwan Relations Act, Mr. Speaker, the United States can do no less than to continue to aid the people of Taiwan in their hour of need. I urge all of my

colleagues to join us in vigorous support of this timely and heartfelt resolution.

Mr. Speaker, with that, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart).

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey), the author of this important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.