WHEREAS, Taiwan and the United States are long-standing friends with a shared historical relationship and dearly cherished values of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and
     WHEREAS, Taiwan is the world's eighteenth largest economy, one of the key trading partners of the United States, and the two-way trade volume between the United States and Taiwan reached sixty-seven billion two hundred million dollars in 2011; and
     WHEREAS, The state of Washington and Taiwan have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial partnership that promises further growth based on strong bilateral trade, the exchange of education and culture, scientific and technological innovation, and tourism; and
     WHEREAS, The United States officially included Taiwan in its visa waiver program, allowing its residents to travel to the United States for tourism or business stays of ninety days or less without obtaining a visa with the purpose of increasing tourism, business, and the exchange of ideas; and
     WHEREAS, Taiwan is Washington's ninth largest export consumer with the trade volume from Washington to Taiwan totaling one billion nine hundred twenty million dollars, and with major products including aircraft, wheat, iron, steel, electric machinery, and industrial machinery; and
     WHEREAS, Taiwan's strong economy and dedication to democratic freedoms for its people will continue with the support of the people of the state of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Taiwan is tied economically to our shared responsibility to address climate change; and
     WHEREAS, Taiwan, as a willing and contributing member of the world community, has made countless contributions of technical and financial assistance in the aftermath of hurricane katrina and other natural disasters worldwide; and
     WHEREAS, The contributions made by the people of Taiwan, the Honorable Ma Ying-jeou, and the institutions and businesses of Taiwan deserve praise from the state of Washington;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate reaffirm its commitment to the strong relationship between the state of Washington and Taiwan and support Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations as well as encouraging continued discussions that may lead to increased trade; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle.