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- As Delivered -
WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today gave the following remarks on the House floor in support of a resolution that reaffirms the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances as cornerstones of United States-Taiwan relations (H.Con.Res.88):
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this resolution. I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
“Thank you. Let me once again thank our Chairman, Ed Royce, and our colleague from Ohio, Mr. Chabot, who introduced this measure.
“At the end of this week, Taiwan will swear in a new President, marking another peaceful democratic transition in that country. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting the President-elect Dr. Tsai Ing-wen several times, as well as the country’s outgoing leader, President Ma. And though they represent different political parties, it’s clear that they are both fully committed to Taiwan’s vibrant democracy and open society. Those values are also at the root of the close ties between the United States and Taiwan.
“This resolution reaffirms our commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. These are the measures that have underpinned our relationship with the Taiwanese people since we normalized relations with the People’s Republic of China.
“As Taiwan prepares for this week’s political transition, it’s vital that the United States send a clear signal that we continue to stand with the people of Taiwan on a range of issues, from Taiwan’s defense, to its growing role on the global stage, to its commitment to freedom and democracy.
“So I’m happy to support this measure. We should continue to stand with our partners in Taiwan. And I wish the people of Taiwan well as they swear in a new President this week. I might add, it’s the first woman president of Taiwan. I urge support for this resolution and I reserve the balance of my time.”
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