Relationship with Taiwan

WHEREAS, The people of Taiwan and the United States have long 1
enjoyed strong bilateral relations encompassing trade, education, 2
cultural exchanges, and tourism; and 3
WHEREAS, The people of Taiwan share the core values of freedom, 4
democracy, human rights, the rule of law, peace, and prosperity with 5
the United States; and 6
WHEREAS, The United States is Taiwan's 2nd largest trading 7
partner, while Taiwan is the 7th largest trading partner of the 8
United States, with bilateral trade totaling $128 billion in 2023; 9
and 10
WHEREAS, The total trade between Washington state and Taiwan 11
amounts to approximately $3.8 billion, making Taiwan the 6th largest 12
trading partner for Washington state, and both sides are committed to 13
strengthening bilateral economic ties; and 14
WHEREAS, Taiwan imported $3.7 billion worth of United States farm 15
products in 2023, making it the 7th largest market for overall United 16
States agricultural products, and has ranked as the 2nd largest 17
importer of Washington onions, one of the top-three importers of 18
Washington apples, sweet cherries, and roasted coffee, as well as a 19
top-four importer of Washington beef and potatoes; and20
WHEREAS, Taiwanese companies which invest in Washington state, 21
including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Eva Air, 22
Evergreen Marine, Yang Ming Marine Transport, and Lightel 23
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
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Technologies, and more, have helped to create more than 15,000 1
jobs in Washington state; and 2
WHEREAS, Washington state resumed its office in Taiwan and 3
appointed a representative in November 2023 to strengthen the 4
trade and investment relationship between the two sides; and5
WHEREAS, The landmark Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 has 6
fostered a close bilateral relationship, advancing mutual 7
security and commercial interests between the United States and 8
Taiwan; and 9
WHEREAS, The United States has actively supported Taiwan's 10
participation in international organizations such as the 11
International Civil Aviation Organization and INTERPOL, and 12
continues to advocate for Taiwan's meaningful inclusion in these 13
and other global institutions; and 14
WHEREAS, Taiwan, as a responsible and contributing member of 15
the international community, has provided significant technical 16
and financial assistance in response to natural disasters 17
worldwide; 18
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the state 19
of Washington: 20
(1) Reaffirm its commitment to strengthening and deepening 21
the relationship with the people of Taiwan; 22
(2) Recognize Taiwan's meaningful participation in 23
international organizations that address global trade, health, 24
safety, and the well-being of its 23 million citizens; and25
(3) Support a closer economic and trade partnership between 26
the United States and the people of Taiwan; and 27
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 28
sent to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle and 29
to appropriate state and federal officials. 30
I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate, 31
do hereby certify that this is a true and 32
correct copy of Senate Resolution 8653, 33
adopted by the Senate 34
April 18, 2025 35
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SARAH BANNISTER 1
Secretary of the Senate 2
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