SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SJM 8026

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY

           & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

Brief Description:  Concerning Taiwan.

SPONSORS: Senators Wojahn, Talmadge, Sellar, Snyder, Newhouse, Bluechel, Winsley, Nelson and M. Rasmussen

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Joint Memorial No. 8026 be substituted therefor, and the substitute joint memorial do pass.  

     Signed by Senators Skratek, Chairman; Bluechel, Erwin, M. Rasmussen and Williams.

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786‑7428)

Hearing Dates: January 26, 1994; February 4, 1994

BACKGROUND:

Taiwan is one of Washington State's major trading partners.  Taiwan is not currently a member of the United Nations but desires to become one.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature petitions the President and Congress to reestablish diplomatic relations with Taiwan and advocate for the admission of Taiwan to the United Nations.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Language referring to China's human rights record was removed.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Washington State and Taiwan have historically had a strong trading relationship.  The U.S. has a single China policy which has kept Taiwan out of the United Nations.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Senator Wojahn, prime sponsor; Dr. Donald Brody, Consul General of Malawi; Robert Chen, CCNAA; Catherine Hsu, Coordination Council for North American Affairs; Jim Forrester, Bellevue Sister City Association