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 20 21 , Taiwan was ranked as the second freest country in Asia by Freedom House and ranked six th among 18 4 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 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 ; 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 ; with the United States now Taiwan ’ s second-largest trading partner and second-largest destination of Taiwan ’s outward investment , and Taiwan is the ninth largest trading partner of the United States and a key destination for United States agricultural exports; and

WHEREAS, in 20 20 , the bilateral trade between Delaware and Taiwan amounted to nearly $ 237 million, making Taiwan Delaware’s eighth largest exporting trading partner globally and fifth -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 201 9 through 20 20 academic year, 2 3 , 72 4 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 $991 million to the United States ’ economy through their spending on tuition, accommodation s, and living expenses; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan has effectively contained the spread of COVID-19 by providing open and transparent information and Taiwan’s model of COVID-19 prevention has become an internationally recognized paradigm for effectively containing the spread of the pandemic; and

WHEREAS, in 2020, Taiwan donated 80,000 surgical face masks to the State of Delaware to protect frontline health workers, demonstrating that Taiwan stands strong with Delaware in difficult times; and

WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan gifted 600 isolation gowns to the Delaware Health Care Facilities Association for Delaware’s long-term care community through the Sister Cities program; and

WHEREAS, in 2021, the State of Delaware celebrates the 21 ^st anniversary of the sister-state partnership with Taiwan and looks forward to an even closer relationship between Delaware and Taiwan in the future; and

WHEREAS, Delaware welcomes all opportunities for an even closer economic partnership to increase trade and investment , supports Taiwan ’ s effort to secure the signing of a United States-Taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement to boost Delaware exports to Taiwan , and supports re-opening a trade office in Taiwan 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 151st General Assembly of the State of Delaware that the Senate supports Taiwan ’ s efforts to secure the signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States ; commend s Taiwan ’ s vibrant full-fledged democracy ; celebrates the 21 ^st anniversary of sister-state ties between Taiwan and the State of Delaware ; reaffirms the Senate’s commitment to strengthening and deepening the sister-state partnership between the State of Delaware and Taiwan; 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 s in the international community .

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate send a copy of this Resolution to Governor John Carney and another copy to M s . Bi-khim Shao , Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States .