Legislation Document

WHEREAS, the Republic of China ( “ Taiwan ” ) and the United States have enjoyed a longstanding partnership and share the common values of freedom, democracy , and human rights. In 2019, Taiwan was ranked as the second freest country in Asia by Freedom House and ranked tenth among 180 world economies in terms of economic freedom by the Heritage Foundation, demonstrating the strength and vitality of its democratic system and showcasing Taiwan as a beacon of democracy in the world; and

WHEREAS, the Taiwan Relations Act ( “ TRA ” ) was signed into law on April 10, 1979, codifying the historically close relations between the United States and Taiwan that existed before January 1, 1979; and which serves as the foundation to preserve and promote continued bilateral bonds; and

WHEREAS, in 1982, President Ronald Reagan further clarified the importance and resilience of the United States-Taiwan relationship with the issuance of the Six Assurances, which , together with the TRA , are the cornerstones of the United States ’ policy with respect to Taiwan; and

WHEREAS, the United States and Taiwan have forged ever closer economic and security relations over the last 4 decades based on their shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law , and free market principles. T he United States is now Taiwan ’ s second-largest trading partner and second-largest destination of Taiwan ’s outward investment , and Taiwan is the eleventh largest trading partner of the United States and a key destination for United States agricultural exports; and

WHEREAS, the State of Delaware is proud of the sister-state relationship it has enjoyed with Taiwan since September 12 , 2000 , marked by strong bilateral trade, education , and cultural exchange. I n 2017, the bilateral trade between Delaware and Taiwan amounted to nearly $193.6 million, making Taiwan our twelfth-largest exporting trading partner globally and third-largest importing trading partner in Asia, demonstrating that Taiwan is not only a friendly sister-state of Delaware but also an important economic partner; and

WHEREAS, in the 2017 through 2018 academic year, 22,454 students from Taiwan studied in the United States, making Taiwan the seventh-leading place of origin for students coming to the United States and these students contributed more than $ 824 million to the United States ’ economy through their spending on tuition, accommodation s, and living expenses; and

WHEREAS, Delaware welcomes all opportunities for an even closer economic partnership to increase trade and investment and endorses Taiwan ’ s effort to secure the signing of a United States-Taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement to boost Delaware exports to Taiwan and to bring more Taiwanese investment to Delaware ; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan has proven to be a very valuable contributor in a broad range of global issues, and Taiwan should be granted access to meaningfully participate in various international organizations including the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change, and International Criminal Police Organization .

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 150th General Assembly of the State of Delaware that the Senate celebrate s the 40 ^th anniversary of the enactment of the TRA , endorse s Taiwan ’ s efforts to secure the signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States, commend s Taiwan ’ s vibrant full-fledged democracy, reaffirm s the Senate’s commitment to strengthening and deepening the sister-state relationship between Taiwan and the State of Delaware, continue s to support Taiwan ’ s meaningful participation and contribution in international organizations which impact the health, safety, and well-being of its people , and support s Taiwan’s aspiration to make more contribution in international societies.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate send a copy of this Resolution to Governor John Carney and another copy to Mr. Stanley Kao, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States .