Reaffirming the Friendship Between the State of Rhode Island and Taiwan While Supporting Enhanced Bilateral Relations with Taiwan and Taiwan's Participation in the International Community

WHEREAS, The year 2026 marks the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, commemorating its founding on principles of freedom and democracy, and also marks the th Anniversary of the first direct Presidential election by the people of Taiwan, symbolizing Taiwan’s democratic achievement and highlighting the strong, enduring commitment to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law shared by Taiwan, the United States, and the State of Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, We congratulate Taiwan as May 20, 2026, marks the second anniversary of the Honorable Dr. Lai Ching-te as President and Bi-khim Hsiao as Vice President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), thereby demonstrating the vibrancy of Taiwan’s democracy; and

WHEREAS, The United States and Taiwan share a robust bilateral relationship marked by a mutually beneficial partnership supported by our common values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and a free market economy, which have resulted in our countries’ strong and enduring relations. Furthermore, the deepening of cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan in the defense industry has further safeguarded Taiwan’s freedom and democracy; and

WHEREAS, The most recent available data regarding Rhode Island–Taiwan trade indicates that Rhode Island exports to Taiwan totaled approximately $33.6 million in 2025, ranking Taiwan as Rhode Island’s fifth-largest export market in Asia, and Taiwan desires to explore greater opportunities to increase bilateral trade with Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, The United States remains one of Taiwan’s most important economic partners. The U.S. ranks as Taiwan's nd-largest trading partner and Taiwan is the fourth-largest trading partner for the U.S. in 2025 with total U.S. goods traded with Taiwan amounting to approximately $256.1 billion, including U.S. goods exports of about $54.7 billion and imports from Taiwan of about $201.4 billion, reflecting strong growth in trade in 2025; and the U.S. is now Taiwan’s largest export market for the first time in 26 years, and the U.S. remains a leading supplier of agricultural products to Taiwan, with agricultural exports to Taiwan valued at approximately $2.3 billion (2025); and

WHEREAS, The United States and Taiwan have deepened cooperation in the defense industry, from drones to cybersecurity, enhancing Taiwan’s security amid regional tensions; and this collaboration also strengthens global AI and high-tech supply chains by keeping critical technologies diversified and secure, while promoting economic growth and job creation in the U.S., Rhode Island, and Taiwan; and

WHEREAS, In 2022, the U.S. and Taiwan launched, and in 2023 signed, the U.S.- Taiwan Initiative on st Century Trade, which, in part, is intended to develop concrete ways to deepen the economic and trade relationship, and the first agreement under the Initiative became effective in December 2024. In addition, the Government of Taiwan has expressed a desire to conclude an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA) with the United States, which would further enhance Rhode Island exports to Taiwan, encourage bilateral investment, and support job creation in Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Legislature recognizes that the possibility of establishing a Rhode Island Trade Office in Taiwan would strengthen economic and commercial ties, promote Rhode Island exports, attract Taiwanese investment, and create jobs within Rhode Island and provide a permanent platform to facilitate business collaboration, support Rhode Island companies in accessing Asian markets, and further enhance the long-standing, mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship between Rhode Island and Taiwan; and

WHEREAS, Signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on economic and trade cooperation between Rhode Island and Taiwan will strengthen bilateral ties by creating clearer frameworks for collaboration, investment, and market access for businesses on both sides. This partnership is expected to drive trade growth by opening new export opportunities for Rhode Island products to Taiwan, fostering innovation, and encouraging long-term, mutually beneficial economic engagement; and

WHEREAS, 2026 marks the th anniversary of the partnership in hosting the Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston, and this annual celebration has become a cherished tradition, drawing thousands of visitors and fostering cultural exchange, community engagement, and goodwill; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Legislature recognizes the importance of fostering strong, long-term relations with Taiwan across trade, investment, education, and cultural exchanges, the creation of a Taiwan Caucus within the Rhode Island Legislature would provide a dedicated forum for lawmakers to coordinate initiatives and demonstrate Rhode Island’s ongoing commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership with Taiwan and enhance dialogue and cooperation on issues of common interest; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan is a key transport hub in the Asia-Pacific region, making its inclusion in international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) imperative for the best interests and safety of the international community. In addition, Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

(UNFCCC) is necessary in the global effort to combat climate change; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby encourages the Rhode Island State Government to promote and strengthen bilateral trade relations with Taiwan, including establishing a Taiwan Caucus in the Legislature, considering the possible opening of a trade office in Taiwan, signing an MOU on economic and trade cooperation, conclude an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA), and support Taiwan's participation in international organizations and agreements, including the WHO, WHA, INTERPOL, UNFCCC, and ICAO; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Donald J. Trump, President of the United States; the Rhode Island Delegation to the United States Congress; the Honorable Daniel J. McKee, Governor, State of Rhode Island; the Honorable Lai Ching-te, President, Republic of China (Taiwan), and Director-General Charles Liao of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston.