HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2019-4627

HR 4627

ByRepresentatives Ryu, Thai, Young, Santos, Steele, and Pellicciotti

WHEREAS, The state of Washington shares a historical, technological, cultural, and economic relationship with Taiwan and the more than one hundred thirty-five thousand Taiwanese and Chinese Americans from Taiwan living and working in Washington state, and we cherish the common values of freedom and democracy; and

WHEREAS, With twelve Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices (TECO) throughout the United States holding events on April 7, 2019, for "Taiwan Day," TECO in Seattle and Taiwanese Americans will participate in WALK MS (multiple sclerosis) activities to express appreciation for and contribute to those in need; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan and the state of Washington are strategically positioned along Pacific Rim trade routes, have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the prospect of further growth, Taiwan was Washington's sixth largest export destination in 2017 and Taiwan is the seventh largest export destination for United States agricultural goods, and Taiwan has traditionally ranked among the top three importers of Washington wheat, with a total trading value of $2.5 billion in 2017; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan and Taiwanese Americans have maintained a strong connection to historic traditions, maintained and championed the virtues of honor and integrity with the state of Washington, and fostered those qualities in local Washington communities, and will celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month of May in 2019 with all Washingtonians, inviting them to "Taiwanese American Heritage Week" in May, Taiwanese Night Market on May 11th at the University of Washington, a Glove Puppetry show at the Carco Theater in Renton on May 15th, Taiwanese vendors and cuisines exhibition May 18th-19th, and Taste of Formosa on May 24th; and

WHEREAS, This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, which codified in law the legal basis for continued commercial and cultural relations between the United States and Taiwan, and thus the state of Washington and Taiwan have both developed leading footprints in the nexus areas of technology and manufacturing, and are strategically positioned to help each other's efforts to maintain leadership in these vital areas of future job growth; and

WHEREAS, The state of Washington welcomes opportunities for an even closer economic partnership to increase trade and investment through agreements between the United States and Taiwan and create greater benefits for all citizens of Washington, and TECO in Seattle and University of Washington will hold a roundtable discussion on the past and future of U.S.-Taiwan relations in the fortieth year of the TRA on April 30, 2019;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives reaffirm its commitment to the strong and deepening relationship between the people of Taiwan, Taiwanese Americans, and the people of the state of Washington as we celebrate the fortieth Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.