Washington, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) reiterated his support for Taiwan’s participation in this year’s upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) 39th assembly meeting:

“Last year alone Taiwan took care of nearly 60 million incoming and outgoing passengers – serving as a crucial member of the international aviation network.  Yet, Taiwan does not have a seat at the International Civil Aviation Organization, which is responsible for setting international aviation safety standards.

“As a result of legislation I authored in 2013, Taiwan was able to attend the 38th ICAO assembly meeting and gain important information firsthand.  With the 39th ICAO assembly approaching, I want to stress my support for Taiwan’s inclusion and participation in ICAO.

“As East Asia’s busiest airspace, it is without question that Taiwan should have access to the latest technologies and standards in civil aviation safety.  It’s in the best interest of public safety.”

NOTE: Chairman Royce, long supportive of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, is the author of legislation that calls for the Secretary of State to endorse Taiwan’s entry into the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The 2013 legislation was the first Taiwan-related legislation to be signed into law by the president in more than a decade.

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