WHEREAS, The United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are bonded by their shared commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and a free market economy; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan is the 10th largest trading partner of the United States, with bilateral trade totaling $85.5 billion in 2019; and

WHEREAS, In 2019, Washington State exported approximately $1.8 billion worth of products to Taiwan, making Taiwan the 4th largest export market for the state in Asia, and both sides are committed to strengthening bilateral economic ties; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan is the 6th largest export destination for United States agricultural goods, and has ranked among the top three importers of Washington apples, beef, and wheat; and

WHEREAS, Taiwanese companies that invest in the Washington State, including WaferTech, Eva Air, Evergreen Marine, Yang Mine Marine Transport, and Lightel Technologies, and others, have helped to create more than 15,000 jobs in this state; and

WHEREAS, The United States Congress passed the landmark Taiwan Relation Act in 1979 to sustain a close, bilateral relationship as well as to advance mutual security and commercial interests between the United States and Taiwan; and

WHEREAS, The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has expressed its wish to sign a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States, and such an agreement will ease the burden of companies conducting cross-border business, facilitate legal harmonization in the areas of digital trade, intellectual property protection, and technical barriers to trade, as well as help Washington State's industries gain better market access to Taiwan; and

WHEREAS, The United States has assisted Taiwan in participating in the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization, and will continue to support Taiwan's meaningful participation in these and other international organizations;

(1) That the Washington State Senate recognize the importance of a strong and enduring partnership with Taiwan;

(2) That the Washington State Senate reiterate its support for a closer economic and trade partnership between the United States and Taiwan, including the signing of the United States-Taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement; and

(3) That the Washington State Senate support Taiwan's participation in international organizations that impact global trade, health, safety, and the well-being of the 23,000,000 people in Taiwan.