BySenators Wellman, Stanford, Lovick, Pedersen, Nobles, Rivers, Valdez, Torres, Kuderer, Hansen, Shewmake, C. Wilson, Warnick, L. Wilson, and Salomon

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 $135,000,000,000 in 2022, while both sides welcomed the resumption of high-level trade engagement and expressed a desire to work closely together; and

WHEREAS, In 2022, the total trade between Washington State and Taiwan exceeded approximately $3,800,000,000 worth of products, making Taiwan the 7th largest trading partner for the State, 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 sweet cherries, potatoes, and beef; and

WHEREAS, Taiwanese companies which invest in Washington State, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, 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, Washington State has resumed its office in Taiwan and appointed a representative in November of 2023 to strengthen the trade and investment relationship between sides; and

WHEREAS, The United States has assisted Taiwan in participating in the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and will continue to support Taiwan's meaningful participation in these and other international organizations;

(1) That Washington State recognizes the importance of a strong and enduring relationship with the people of Taiwan; and

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

(3) That Washington State supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations that impact the global trade, health, safety, and the well-being of the 23,000,000 people in Taiwan.