On April 10, 1979, Congress enacted the Taiwan Relations Act, a bill designed to help maintain peace, security, and stability in the western Pacific and to promote the foreign policy of the United States by authorizing the continuation of commercial, cultural, and other relations between the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan. Thirty-five years later, the framework provided by this legislation continues to govern U.S. policy in the region. The United States-Taiwan relationship is grounded in history and shared values and our common commitment to democracy and human rights. Taiwan is one of the world's largest economies. Taiwan is a focus market under the Commerce Department's SelectUSA program to promote investment in the United States. Strong United States support for Taiwan helps give our friends the confidence to strengthen crossstrait relations. We welcome those improved relations in trade, travel, science, and other forms of cooperation unimaginable a decade ago. They benefit both sides. They benefit regional security. They benefit the United States relationship with China, and they benefit our unofficial relations with Taiwan.