Bill Text: MS SC544 | 2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Congratulate People of Taiwan for successful conclusion of Presidential elections and reaffirming Mississippi's policy.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2016-03-01 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC544 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2016-SC544-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Hopson
Senate Concurrent Resolution 544
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN FOR THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2016, AND REAFFIRMING THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI'S FREE MARKET POLICY TOWARD TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
WHEREAS, the people of the Republic of China on Taiwan cast their sacred vote on Saturday, January 16, 2016, and elected Dr. Tsai Ing-wen (Democratic Progressive Party), Taiwan's opposition leader, as the first-ever female President in the history of the Republic of China on Taiwan and Chen Chien-jen as Vice President. President-elect Tsai Ing-wen is the first female leader of a country in the Chinese-speaking world; and
WHEREAS, the Democratic Progressive Party Tsai-Chen ticket received 6,894,744 votes (56.12%), defeating the Kuomintang candidates with 3,813,365 (31.04%), and the People First Party with 1,576,861 (12.83%). Voter turnout was 66.2%. In the Legislative Yuan elections, the Democratic Progressive Party won 68 seats of the 113 total seats, while the Kuomintang took 35; and
WHEREAS, the electoral results make the third transition of political power of the government of the Republic of China on Taiwan since the first popular vote of Presidential election held in 1996, as well as a transition of Taiwan's national legislative majority for the first time in history. The election has drawn international attention as people of Taiwan are making history again and proof to the world that democracy works. The Republic of China on Taiwan is the only full-fledged democracy in the Chinese-speaking world; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan and the State of Mississippi have both enjoyed bonds of sister-state relationship since 1983 and Taiwan is America's 10th largest trading partner in the world. The Republic of China (Taiwan) and the State of Mississippi have nurtured and maintained a friendship built upon unwavering bonds that will be beneficial and rewarding for both governments and their citizens now and in the future; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Safety of the State of Mississippi and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China (Taiwan) have signed a mutual agreement enabling the exchange of the valid noncommercial drivers' licenses, which marks a great achievement for the Mississippi-Taiwan bilateral relationship and will significantly benefit businessmen and students from both sides. When Mississippi State University signed an MOU with National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, these two universities affirmed their intent to promote academic exchanges including development of mutually beneficial academic programs as well as exchange of faculty, students and other materials for the purpose of teaching, research and extension; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan has become a multiparty democracy in which all citizens have the right to participate freely in the political process. The people of Taiwan have, by their vigorous participation in electoral campaigns and public debate, strengthened the foundations of a free and democratic way of life:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That:
(1) The people of Taiwan are to be congratulated for the successful conclusion of Presidential elections on January 16, 2016, and for their continuing efforts in developing and sustaining a free, democratic society which respects human rights and embraces free markets; and
(2) President Dr. Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan is to be congratulated for her significant contributions to freedom and democracy on Taiwan; and
(3) President-elect Dr. Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President-elect Chen Chien-jen of Taiwan are to be congratulated for their victory, and they have the strong support and best wishes of the Mississippi Legislature and the American people for a successful administration.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we do hereby commend the relationship between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the State of Mississippi and encourage the future growth and friendship between this great state and this illustrious nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to President Dr. Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President Chen Chien-jen, forwarded to the Mississippi Development Authority and the United States Department of State, and made available to the members of the Capital Press Corps.
