R 294 |
2025 -- H 6328 Enacted 05/13/2025 |
H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N |
REAFFIRMING THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND TAIWAN WHILE SUPPORTING ENHANCED BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH TAIWAN AND TAIWAN'S PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY |
Introduced By: Representatives Kennedy, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Kazarian, Edwards, Diaz, McNamara, Ackerman, and Abney |
Date Introduced: May 13, 2025 |
WHEREAS, The United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan) share a robust |
bilateral relationship marked by a mutually beneficial partnership supported by our common |
values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and a free market economy, that has resulted in |
our countries enjoying among the strongest and most enduring relations to date; and |
WHEREAS, We congratulate Taiwan as May 20, 2025 marks the second year of the |
Honorable Dr. Lai Ching-te as President and Bi-khim Hsiao as Vice President of Taiwan, thereby |
demonstrating the vibrancy of Taiwan’s democracy; and |
WHEREAS, The United States ranks as Taiwan's second-largest trading partner, and |
Taiwan was the seventh-largest trading partner of the United States in 2024, with United States |
trade in goods with Taiwan totaling an estimated $157.8 billion, a 34.79% increase over 2023, |
while the United States is the largest supplier of agricultural products to Taiwan, totaling $3.78 |
billion in 2024; and |
WHEREAS, The Government of Taiwan has expressed a desire to reach an Avoidance of |
Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA) with the United States, which will certainly increase |
significantly Rhode Island exports to Taiwan, bilateral investment, and jobs in Rhode Island; and |
WHEREAS, Regarding Rhode Island-Taiwan trade, in 2024, Rhode Island’s total exports |
to Taiwan reached $32.4 million, which included computer equipment, metal processing |
products, basic chemicals, medical equipment, and electrical equipment and components, making |
Taiwan the 18th-largest export market of Rhode Island in the world and one of largest markets for |
Rhode Island in Asia. A Rhode Island trade office in Taiwan would further increase bilateral |
trade exchanges and create more economic benefits for the people of Rhode Island; and |
WHEREAS, The U.S. government actively encourages engagement between the people |
of the United States and Taiwan, especially at the state level, in terms of trade, investment, |
commerce, education, and cultural exchanges, and supports Taiwan’s meaningful participation in |
international organizations. U.S. policy toward Taiwan is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act |
(TRA) of 1979 and not United Nations Resolution 2758 (1971) which neither mentions Taiwan |
nor prevents Taiwan’s international participation; and |
WHEREAS, Taiwan is a key transport hub in the Asia-Pacific region, making its |
inclusion in international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the |
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) imperative for the best interests and safety of |
the international community. In addition, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate |
Change (UNFCCC) is necessary in the global effort to combat climate change; now, therefore be |
it |
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby |
encourages the Rhode Island State Government to promote and strengthen bilateral trade relations |
with Taiwan, including considering the possible opening of a trade office in Taiwan, and supports |
Taiwan's legitimate right to participate in international organizations and agreements, including |
the WHO, ICAO, and UNFCCC; and be it further |
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to |
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Donald J. Trump, President of |
the United States; the Rhode Island Delegation to the United States Congress; the Honorable |
Daniel J. McKee, Governor, State of Rhode Island; the Honorable Dr. Lai Ching-te, President, |
Republic of China (Taiwan); and Director-General Charles Liao of the Taipei Economic and |
Cultural Office in Boston. |
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LC002479 |
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