Bill Text: GA HR554 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Republic of China (Taiwan); democracy; relations with United States; commend
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 6-0)
Status: (Passed) 2009-03-04 - House Read and Adopted [HR554 Detail]
Download: Georgia-2009-HR554-Introduced.html
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25 5575
House
Resolution 554
By:
Representatives Smith of the
113th,
Dollar of the
45th,
Lunsford of the
110th,
Ramsey of the
72nd,
Cheokas of the
134th,
and others
A
RESOLUTION
Commending
the Republic of China (Taiwan) on its recent progress in the growth of its
democracy and its relations with the United States; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
in 2008, Freedom House again ranked Taiwan as one of the most free states in the
world, and, to this day, Taiwan remains the first and only ethnic-Chinese nation
to realize a fully functioning democracy; and
WHEREAS,
in May of 2008, Taiwan witnessed its second peaceful transition of political
power, paving the way for Taiwan to serve as a beacon of democracy to Asia and
beyond; and
WHEREAS,
Taiwan and the United States are long-standing allies who both deeply cherish
the values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law;
and
WHEREAS,
the year 2009 marked the 30th anniversary of the "Taiwan Relations Act," the
creation of which provided the basic structure and legal foundation for the
United States to develop its numerous mutual relations with Taiwan;
and
WHEREAS,
Taiwan is the United States' ninth-largest trading partner, and the United
States is Taiwan's third-largest trading partner; and
WHEREAS,
Taiwan is seeking to enter into a free trade agreement with the United States to
further promote trade and investment relations between the two countries;
and
WHEREAS,
Taiwan's strategic position in the Asian Pacific region makes its stability
vital to not only the economies in the region but also of the world;
and
WHEREAS,
today, the government of Taiwan has committed itself to achieving peace and
co-prosperity with mainland China by resuming bilateral talks and opening up
direct flight and shipping links across Taiwan Straits; and
WHEREAS,
Taiwan is an active member in the international community with a long-standing
commitment to international health and humanitarian aid; and
WHEREAS,
it is imperative for Taiwan to participate in the activities of the World Health
Organization for the sake of global health, particularly in light of threatening
epidemic diseases such as SARS, bird flu, and others.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body commend and support the democratization efforts of the Republic of
China (Taiwan) as well as its efforts to join the World Health Organization and
other international organizations.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body hereby welcomes all opportunities to develop
the special bond of friendship between the United States and Taiwan and
encourages further cultural, educational, and business exchanges between the
citizens of the United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Mr. Larry
R.L. Tseng, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in
Atlanta.
