Bill Text: DE HR17 | 2019-2020 | 150th General Assembly | Draft
Bill Title: Celebrating The Landmark 40th Anniversary Of The Enactment Of The Taiwan Relations Act And Supporting Taiwans Signing Of A Bilateral Trade Agreement With The United States.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-06-27 - Passed In House by Voice Vote [HR17 Detail]
Download: Delaware-2019-HR17-Draft.html
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SPONSOR: |
Rep. Viola & Rep. Baumbach & Rep. Smyk & Rep. Yearick |
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
150th GENERAL ASSEMBLY
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 17
CELEBRATING THE LANDMARK 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENACTMENT OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT AND SUPPORTING TAIWAN’S SIGNING OF A BILATERAL TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES.
WHEREAS, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the United States have enjoyed longstanding partnership and share the common values of freedom, democracy and human rights. In 2019, Taiwan ranked as second freest country in Asia by Freedom House, and ranked 10 th among 180 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 Taiwan Relations Act (“TRA”) was signed into law on April 10, 1979, codifying the historically close relations with Taiwan that had existed prior to January 1 st , 1979; and which serves as the foundation to preserve and promote continued bilateral bonds;
WHEREAS, in 1982, President Ronald Reagan further clarified the importance and resilience of the US-Taiwan relationship with the issuance of the Six Assurances, which together with the TRA are the cornerstones of US policy with respect to Taiwan;
WHEREAS, the United States and Taiwan have forged ever closer economic and security relations over the last four decades based on their shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law and free market principles; with United States now Taiwan’s second-largest trading partner and second-largest destination of Taiwan outward investment; and with Taiwan the 11 th largest trading partner of the United States and a key destination for United States agricultural exports;
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. I n 2017, the bilateral trade between Delaware and Taiwan amounted to nearly $193.6 million, making Taiwan our twelfth-largest Exporting trading partner globally and third-largest importing trading partner in Asia, demonstrating that Taiwan is not only a friendly sister-state of Delaware but also an important trading partner; and
WHEREAS, in the 2017/18 academic year, 22,454 students from Taiwan studied in the U.S., making Taiwan the seventh-leading place of origin for students coming to the U.S. and contributed more than 824 million to the U.S. economy, through their spending on tuition, accommodation and living expenses;
WHEREAS, Delaware welcomes all opportunities for an even closer economic partnership to increase the trade and investment and endorses Taiwan’s effort to secure the signing of a U.S.-Taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement, to boost Delaware exports to Taiwan and to bring in more Taiwanese investment; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan has been proven to be a very valuable contributor in a broad range of global issues, and is necessary to be granted access to meaningfully participate in various international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL);
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED that House of Representatives of the 150th General Assembly of the State of Delaware celebrates the 40 th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act; endorses Taiwan’s efforts to secure the signing of Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States; commend Taiwan’s vibrant full-fledged democracy; reaffirms its commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister-state relationship between Taiwan and the State of Delaware; and continues to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation and contribution in international organizations which impact the health, safety, and well-being of its people, and supports its aspiration to make more contribution in international societies.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to Governor John Carney of Delaware, and another sent to Mr. Stanley Kao, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.
SYNOPSIS
This resolution celebrates the landmark 40th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, supports Taiwan’s signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States, reaffirms support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation and contribution in international organizations, and reaffirms support for strengthening and expanding sister-state ties between the State of Delaware and Taiwan.
