SENATE RESOLUTION
8653
By Senators Wagoner, Boehnke, Braun, Christian, Dhingra, Dozier, Goehner, Holy, King, Lovelett, Lovick, Schoesler, Stanford, Trudeau, Valdez, Warnick, Hasegawa, Fortunato, and Kauffman
WHEREAS, The people of Taiwan and the United States have long enjoyed strong bilateral relations encompassing trade, education, cultural exchanges, and tourism; and
WHEREAS, The people of Taiwan share the core values of freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, peace, and prosperity with the United States; and
WHEREAS, The United States is Taiwan's 2nd largest trading partner, while Taiwan is the 7th largest trading partner of the United States, with bilateral trade totaling $128 billion in 2023; and
WHEREAS, The total trade between Washington state and Taiwan amounts to approximately $3.8 billion, making Taiwan the 6th largest trading partner for Washington state, and both sides are committed to strengthening bilateral economic ties; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan imported $3.7 billion worth of United States farm products in 2023, making it the 7th largest market for overall United States agricultural products, and has ranked as the 2nd largest importer of Washington onions, one of the top-three importers of Washington apples, sweet cherries, and roasted coffee, as well as a top-four importer of Washington beef and potatoes; and
WHEREAS, Taiwanese companies which invest in Washington state, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Eva Air, Evergreen Marine, Yang Ming Marine Transport, and Lightel Technologies, and more, have helped to create more than 15,000 jobs in Washington state; and
WHEREAS, Washington state resumed its office in Taiwan and appointed a representative in November 2023 to strengthen the trade and investment relationship between the two sides; and
WHEREAS, The landmark Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 has fostered a close bilateral relationship, advancing mutual security and commercial interests between the United States and Taiwan; and
WHEREAS, The United States has actively supported Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and INTERPOL, and continues to advocate for Taiwan's meaningful inclusion in these and other global institutions; and