HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4702, by Representative Horn

     WHEREAS, The State of Washington in the United States of America and Taiwan, the Republic of China, have an extensive cultural, economic, and political relationship; and

     WHEREAS, Taiwan, the Republic of China, has been a strong trading partner of the United States and of the State of Washington, with over five billion dollars in trade between Taiwan and the State of Washington annually; and

     WHEREAS, The State of Washington has chosen to recognize the importance of its relationship with Taiwan, the Republic of China, by establishing a Trade Office in Taipei; and

     WHEREAS, A democratic, multiparty political system has been smoothly established in Taiwan in recent years; and

     WHEREAS, The Republic of China on Taiwan is currently the fourteenth largest trading nation in the world; its gross national product is the twentieth largest national product in the world; its annual per capita income exceeds twelve thousand six hundred dollars; its foreign exchange reserves exceed one hundred billion dollars; and it has become the seventh largest outbound investor in the world; and

     WHEREAS, The twenty-one million people on Taiwan enjoy a democratic form of government, and the policies of the Republic of China on Taiwan conform to those of other democratic nations; and

     WHEREAS, The Republic of China on Taiwan has joined other nations in responding to international disasters and crises, has undertaken programs of assistance for less developed nations, and has in other ways accepted regional and global responsibilities; and

     WHEREAS, Membership of the Republic of China on Taiwan in the United Nations conforms to the United Nations' principle of universality and would contribute to the peace and stability of the Pacific region, and, therefore, to the interest of the United States;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Washington State House of Representatives, that the Republic of China on Taiwan deserves to be allowed membership in the United Nations to further contribute to the world through broader participation in the international community; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be immediately transmitted to the Honorable William J. Clinton, President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from the State of Washington.

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