Bill Text: WV SR59 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Reaffirming longstanding sisterhood partnership between WV and Taiwan
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 4-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-29 - Completed legislative action [SR59 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2024-SR59-Introduced.html
SENATE RESOLUTION 59
(By Senator Blair (Mr. President))
[Introduced February 28, 2024]
Reaffirming the longstanding sisterhood partnership between West Virginia and Taiwan.
Whereas, The United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan) enjoy an enduring partnership and share the common values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. On January 13, 2024, Taiwan smoothly completed its eighth presidential election through a fair and free process, setting another milestone in its democratic development. The West Virginia Senate congratulates President-elect Lai Ching-te and Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim on their successful elections; and
Whereas, On August 4, 1980, West Virginia established a cherished sisterhood partnership with Taiwan; and in 2024, the aforementioned partnership remained celebrated by both West Virginia and Taiwan to further boost even closer relations; and
Whereas, 2024 marks the milestone 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act; the United States and Taiwan have forged ever stronger economic relations over decades; West Virginia supports the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade, Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD) and the Technology, Trade, and Investment Collaboration Framework (TTIC); and
Whereas, Taiwan holds a key position in the global economy and plays a vital role in the world’s ICT industry as well as high-tech global supply chains; West Virginia supports the signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA) between the United States and Taiwan to boost both national and greater West Virginia exports to Taiwan and bring more Taiwanese investment to West Virginia; and
Whereas, In 2022, the trade volume between West Virginia and Taiwan amounted to nearly $175 million ($120 million in 2021) and Taiwan is our 3rd largest source of imports and 5th largest export market in Asia, underscoring Taiwan’s steadfast role as a key trading partner of West Virginia. In 2022, the West Virginia Taiwan Office was reopened, and West Virginia welcomed more Taiwanese companies investing in the Mountain State; and
Whereas, In February 2023, the West Virginia Department of Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Taiwan’s Ministry of Education as part of the U.S.-Taiwan Education Initiative; West Virginia looks forward to enhancing educational exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan; and
Whereas, Taiwan has proven to be vital in regional geopolitics and a force for good in the world, and it is necessary for Taiwan to be granted access to participate in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) as well as various international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL); therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate reaffirms the longstanding sisterhood partnership between West Virginia and Taiwan; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate reaffirms its commitment to strengthen the sisterhood partnership with Taiwan; commends Taiwan’s vibrant full-fledged democracy; and continues to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in, and contributions to, the international stage; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Governor James C. Justice, II of West Virginia, and Ambassador Alexander Yui of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.
