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S3280
2026 -- S 3280
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LC006295
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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S E N A T 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:
Senators Gallo, Felag, Tikoian, Appollonio, LaMountain, McKenney,
Rogers, Raptakis, Sosnowski, and Famiglietti
Date Introduced:
May 12, 2026
Referred To:
Recommended for Immediate Consideration
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WHEREAS, The year 2026 marks the 250th Anniversary of the United States of
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America, commemorating its founding on principles of freedom and democracy, and also marks
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the 30th Anniversary of the first direct Presidential election by the people of Taiwan, symbolizing
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Taiwan’s democratic achievement and highlighting the strong, enduring commitment to
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democracy, freedom, and the rule of law shared by Taiwan, the United States, and the State of
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Rhode Island; and
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WHEREAS, We congratulate Taiwan as May 20, 2026, marks the second anniversary of
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the Honorable Dr. Lai Ching-te as President and Bi-khim Hsiao as Vice President of the Republic
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of China (Taiwan), thereby demonstrating the vibrancy of Taiwan’s democracy; and
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WHEREAS, The United States and Taiwan share a robust bilateral relationship marked
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by a mutually beneficial partnership supported by our common values of freedom, democracy,
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the rule of law, and a free market economy, which have resulted in our countries’ strong and
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enduring relations. Furthermore, the deepening of cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan in
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the defense industry has further safeguarded Taiwan’s freedom and democracy; and
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WHEREAS, The most recent available data regarding Rhode Island–Taiwan trade
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indicates that Rhode Island exports to Taiwan totaled approximately $33.6 million in 2025,
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ranking Taiwan as Rhode Island’s fifth-largest export market in Asia, and Taiwan desires to
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explore greater opportunities to increase bilateral trade with Rhode Island; and
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WHEREAS, The United States remains one of Taiwan’s most important economic
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partners. The U.S. ranks as Taiwan's 2nd-largest trading partner and Taiwan is the fourth-largest
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trading partner for the U.S. in 2025 with total U.S. goods traded with Taiwan amounting to
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approximately $256.1 billion, including U.S. goods exports of about $54.7 billion and imports
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from Taiwan of about $201.4 billion, reflecting strong growth in trade in 2025; and the U.S. is
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now Taiwan’s largest export market for the first time in 26 years, and the U.S. remains a leading
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supplier of agricultural products to Taiwan, with agricultural exports to Taiwan valued at
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approximately $2.3 billion (2025); and
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WHEREAS, The United States and Taiwan have deepened cooperation in the defense
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industry, from drones to cybersecurity, enhancing Taiwan’s security amid regional tensions; and
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this collaboration also strengthens global AI and high-tech supply chains by keeping critical
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technologies diversified and secure, while promoting economic growth and job creation in the
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U.S., Rhode Island, and Taiwan; and
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WHEREAS, In 2022, the U.S. and Taiwan launched, and in 2023 signed, the U.S.-
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Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade, which, in part, is intended to develop concrete ways to
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deepen the economic and trade relationship, and the first agreement under the Initiative became
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effective in December 2024. In addition, the Government of Taiwan has expressed a desire to
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conclude an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA) with the United States, which
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would further enhance Rhode Island exports to Taiwan, encourage bilateral investment, and
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support job creation in Rhode Island; and
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Legislature recognizes that the possibility of establishing
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a Rhode Island Trade Office in Taiwan would strengthen economic and commercial ties, promote
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Rhode Island exports, attract Taiwanese investment, and create jobs within Rhode Island and
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provide a permanent platform to facilitate business collaboration, support Rhode Island
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companies in accessing Asian markets, and further enhance the long-standing, mutually
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beneficial economic and trade relationship between Rhode Island and Taiwan; and
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WHEREAS, Signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on economic and trade
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cooperation between Rhode Island and Taiwan will strengthen bilateral ties by creating clearer
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frameworks for collaboration, investment, and market access for businesses on both sides. This
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partnership is expected to drive trade growth by opening new export opportunities for Rhode
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Island products to Taiwan, fostering innovation, and encouraging long-term, mutually beneficial
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economic engagement; and
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WHEREAS, 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the partnership in hosting the Dragon
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Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and the Taipei
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Economic and Cultural Office in Boston, and this annual celebration has become a cherished
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tradition, drawing thousands of visitors and fostering cultural exchange, community engagement,
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and goodwill; and
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Legislature recognizes the importance of fostering strong,
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long-term relations with Taiwan across trade, investment, education, and cultural exchanges, the
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creation of a Taiwan Caucus within the Rhode Island Legislature would provide a dedicated
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forum for lawmakers to coordinate initiatives and demonstrate Rhode Island’s ongoing
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commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership with Taiwan and enhance dialogue and
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cooperation on issues of common interest; and
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WHEREAS, Taiwan is a key transport hub in the Asia-Pacific region, making its
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inclusion in international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the
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International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the International Civil Aviation
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Organization (ICAO) imperative for the best interests and safety of the international community.
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In addition, Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
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(UNFCCC) is necessary in the global effort to combat climate change; now, therefore, be it
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RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby encourages the Rhode
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Island State Government to promote and strengthen bilateral trade relations with Taiwan,
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including establishing a Taiwan Caucus in the Legislature, considering the possible opening of a
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trade office in Taiwan, signing an MOU on economic and trade cooperation, conclude an
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Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA), and support Taiwan's participation in
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international organizations and agreements, including the WHO, WHA, INTERPOL, UNFCCC,
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and ICAO; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Donald J. Trump, President of
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the United States; the Rhode Island Delegation to the United States Congress; the Honorable
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Daniel J. McKee, Governor, State of Rhode Island; the Honorable Lai Ching-te, President,
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Republic of China (Taiwan), and Director-General Charles Liao of the Taipei Economic and
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Cultural Office in Boston.
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