Washington, Oct. 10 (CNA) Several members of the United States Congress on Thursday issued congratulatory messages to Taiwan in celebration of the 108th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of China, lauding the U.S.-Taiwan friendship.

The four co-chairs of the Taiwan Caucus in the House of Representatives sent their best wishes to the people of the ROC in a statement, in which they described 2019 as "a milestone in the close friendship shared by the United States and Taiwan," referring to the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA).

"The Taiwan Relations Act has facilitated decades of economic, security, and trade relations (between the two countries)," the statement said, noting that Taiwan is the U.S.'s 11th largest trading partner and one of the largest markets for American agricultural products.

It said: "Our countries share many core values including a commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan has benefited the global community and is critical to prosperity in the region."

"As Taiwan faces direct and increasing challenges to its democracy and security, it is important that the United States remain a strong ally.

"All four co-chairs cosponsored a resolution reaffirming the importance of the TRA and our bilateral relationship, and supported its unanimous passage by the House of Representatives earlier this year," the statement added.

The four co-chairs are Representatives Albio Sires (D-NJ), Gery Connolly (D-VA), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Steve Chabot (R-OH).

Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent ROC President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) a message of greetings on behalf of the U.S. Congress.

Pelosi said that on a bedrock of friendship, mutual respect and cooperation, the U.S. and Taiwan share an unshakable bond that has lasted for decades.

"As we also mark the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and the recent passage in the United States House of Representatives of the Taiwan Assurance Act, we reaffirm America's steadfast, bipartisan support for the fundamental rights of Taiwan's people and our shared democratic values," she wrote.

"We look forward to continuing to work together to deepen our ties of friendship to advance a more peaceful and prosperous future (for) you, your children and for generations to come," she said.

Pelosi's message was read publicly during a cocktail party hosted by Taiwan's representative office in the U.S. earlier in the day, attended by James Moriarty, chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan; officials of Taiwan's diplomatic allies stationed in the U.S.; foreign diplomats in the U.S., leaders of American mainstream society; and Taiwanese expatriates organizations.

In addition to the congratulatory messages, one post by lead Republican Michael McCaul of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the House Foreign Affairs GOP Twitter account says: "The United States stands with Taiwan -- today on their 108th National Day and every day -- to defend freedom from authoritarianism."

"This year also marks the 40th anniversary of U.S.-Taiwan relations, and our ties continue to grow stronger," wrote McCaul, a House representative who has supported many pro-Taiwan bills and resolutions in Congress since he took the post nearly 15 years ago.

In April he initiated the Taiwan Assurance Act, calling for regular transfers of defense articles to Taiwan and opening dialogue toward a Taiwan-U.S. free trade agreement.

Meanwhile, Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who visited Taiwan Wednesday and Thursday to attend the National Day celebrations, tweeted a video greeting from Liberty Square in Taipei.

"Taiwan's National Day, also known as Double 10 Day, is a time to commemorate those who stand up for freedom and against Chinese Communist oppression," he said in the post. "I was proud to visit Liberty Square as part of the celebration to show my support & appreciation for the people of Taiwan."

Another Taiwan friend, Republic Senator Cory Gardner also delivered greetings and lauded stronger bilateral ties between the U.S. and Taiwan in a pre-record video that was shared by Taiwan's representative office in Denver on its Facebook page on Oct. 8.

http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201910110005.aspx