WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, co-chairs of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, congratulated the people of Taiwan on "Double Ten Day," the national day of celebration. The letter follows:

October 10, 2013

His Excellency Ma Ying-jeou
President
Republic of China (Taiwan)
No. 122, Sec. 1, Chongqing South Road, Zhongzheng District
Taipei City 10048, Taiwan (ROC)

Dear Mr. President:

We would like to take this opportunity to extend to you and the people of Taiwan our congratulations and best wishes on "Double Ten Day". As longstanding friends of Taiwan, we recognize the importance of this day in history, and to all freedom-loving people everywhere.

One hundred and two years ago today, courageous people inspired by the shared vision of Sun Yat-sen, Huang Xing, Song Jiaoren, and others rose up against a monarchy ill-suited to changing times, ill-matched against the interference of foreign powers, and incapable of representing the will of the people. As a result of their actions in Wuchang, provincial assemblies across southern China declared the independence of their provinces and allied themselves with the rebellion. The successful result of what became known as the Xinhai Revolution was the establishment in 1912 of the Republic of China, the first republic in Asia.

There can be no doubt that the people of Taiwan are keepers of the legacy of the Xinhai Revolution, and have fulfilled its promise. Taiwan in 2013 is a vibrant, multi-party democracy with a highly-skilled, talented society, and advanced industrial economy, which is in turn a key component of the global economy.

Taiwan has been, and remains, one of our most important partners in Asia. Our shared interests and values guarantee that our friendship - reflected by the many Double Ten celebrations that will also take place in various communities here in the United States - will stand the test of time.

Again, our congratulations and best wishes to you and to the people of Taiwan, as you celebrate this momentous day.

Sincerely,

Robert Menendez James M. Inhofe
United States Senator United States Senator

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