[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1766] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMEMORATING THE 99TH NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ______ HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Day of the Republic of China also known as Taiwan's National Day. October 10, 2010 marks the 99th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of China and commemorates the 1911 Wuch'ang uprising ultimately leading to the collapse of the Qing dynasty. This day is also known as the ``Double Ten'' Day where 23 million people in the Republic of China along with Taiwanese from across the world celebrate their new-found democracy. In recent months Taiwan has experienced a number of achievements, including the signing of an Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement with mainland China and participating as an observer in the World Health Organization's annual meetings in Geneva. Currently, Taiwan is requesting that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) consider accepting Taiwan as an observer in the organization as Taiwan is a major international hub connecting Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and North America. Each year, over 1.54 million flights pass through the Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR) and it would be beneficial for ICAO. The safety and security of each passenger is of paramount importance to everyone concerned. Yet Taiwan is excluded from the activities of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to consider opportunities where Taiwan can participate in the Multilateral ``public key directory'' (PKD) consultations. As a fellow democratic ally of the United States, we must further support and encourage Taiwan's growing global participation. Again, I wish the people of Taiwan everywhere a blessed day of celebration and reflection. ____________________