WHEREAS, The United States and the people of 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 9th largest trading partner of the United States, with bilateral trade totaling $90.6 billion in 2020, while both sides welcomed the resumption of high-level trade engagement and expressed a desire to work closely together; and

WHEREAS, In 2020, Washington State exported approximately $1.36 billion worth of products to Taiwan, making Taiwan the 5th 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 poultry, potatoes, and beef; and

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

WHEREAS, The United States Congress passed the landmark Taiwan Relation Act (TRA) 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, Based on the principles of the United States-Taiwan Education Initiative in 2020, Taiwan has intentions to further collaborate with the State of Washington on education, cultural, and tourism exchanges by signing memorandums of understanding to promote a bilingual learning environment for both sides; 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 relationship with the people of Taiwan; and

(2) That the Washington State Senate reiterate its support for a closer economic and trade relationship between the United States and the people of Taiwan; and

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