Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Inhofe
Today, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), co-chairmen of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, sent a letter to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to extend their congratulations in advance of Taiwan’s upcoming 110th National Day (October 10). In addition to joining the citizens of Taiwan in celebration, the senators highlighted their enduring commitment to fortifying Taiwan’s security and the United States’ relationship with Taiwan.
“As respective leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Armed Services Committee, we take pride in leading legislative measures to strengthen Taiwan’s security and the U.S.-Taiwan bilateral partnership,” the senators wrote, describing their efforts in in spearheading legislation to assist Taiwan in regaining its observer status at the World Health Organization. “For decades, Congress has been one of Taiwan’s strongest allies in upholding America’s commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. You can count on our continued support in ensuring Taiwan remains one of our most important partners in the Indo-Pacific region.”
The senators also called for the defense of Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and protecting private enterprise in light of recent Chinese military activity in Taiwan’s airspace.
“We are mindful that Taiwan stands at the forefront of confronting challenges posed by the Chinese government,” the senators added. “Given that China is increasing its incursions in Taiwan airspace, it is now more important than ever to defend the democratic values and free-market principles embodied by Taiwan’s people and government.”
The full text of the letter can be found here and below.
October 6, 2021
Dear Madam President:
As the Co-Chairs of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, we send our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you and your fellow citizens as you celebrate Taiwan’s 110th National Day. As longstanding friends of Taiwan, we join you in celebrating the history and importance of this day.
On October 10, 1911, the Wuchang Uprising began, leading to the establishment of the Republic of China on January 1, 1912. This history sparked the ideals of democracy and constitutional government that Taiwan embodies today. We appreciate that Taiwan remains a beacon of democratic prosperity, security, and freedom in the Indo-Pacific region and a proud partner of the United States.
We are mindful that Taiwan stands at the forefront of confronting challenges posed by the Chinese government. As respective leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Armed Services Committee, we take pride in leading legislative measures to strengthen Taiwan’s security and the U.S.-Taiwan bilateral partnership. Given that China is increasing its incursions in Taiwan airspace, it is now more important than ever to defend the democratic values and free-market principles embodied by Taiwan’s people and government.
We are also proud to be leading legislation to help Taiwan regain its observer status at the World Health Organization. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan produced a significant amount of personal protective equipment for global distribution, proving it deserves meaningful participation in international organizations.
For decades, Congress has been one of Taiwan’s strongest allies in upholding America’s commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. You can count on our continued support in ensuring Taiwan remains one of our most important partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Again, our best wishes to you and to the people of Taiwan on this important day.
Sincerely,