[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1838-E1839] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRATULATING TAIWAN ON THEIR 99TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, congratulations to Taiwan as they celebrate their 99th anniversary on October 10, 2010. We are happy to see such a vibrant democracy blossoming in East Asia. Due to the ubiquitous tension between Taiwan and China (neighbors across the Taiwan Straits) Taiwan's President Ma is in a very difficult position. Every day he must walk the tightrope between improving the relationship with mainland China and making sure that Taiwan does not lose its unique identity that makes their county so special. To this end, President Ma is handling the challenge masterfully. Many areas of the relationship between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People's Republic of China (mainland China) have improved dramatically since President Ma took office. Without question, the most significant evidence of the improved relations between China and Taiwan is The Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). This is a formal agreement between the two sides that aims to reduce commercial barriers and increase trade between the two countries. Three years ago this would not have been even thought of as possible, yet today this agreement is in effect as of September of this year. Additionally, the following are further evidences the improving relationship between Taiwan and China: Daily flights between the two countries are not only now occurring, but due to high demand, the number of flights and destinations have had to be increased. China, who blocked Taiwan's access to participate in any part of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the last 38 years, has granted Taiwan the honor of observer status at the World Health Assembly (WHA) arm of the WHO. Both China and Taiwan have agreed to share crime data and law enforcement services with one another to help reduce illegal activity in the area. All of this has been done while still allowing Taiwan to operate as an independent nation with its own government, military and currency. I ask my friends in Congress to congratulate Taiwan on their 99th anniversary as we hope to continue our friendship with them for their next 99 years. [[Page E1839]] ____________________