WHEREAS, The year 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of California-Taiwan sister statehood. Since this bond was established in 1984, Taiwan has enjoyed extensive, close, and friendly relations with the State of California and the United States; and
WHEREAS, This year also marks the 45th anniversary of the “Taiwan Relations Act” (TRA). The TRA helps maintain peace, security, and stability in the western Pacific region and promotes the continuation of commercial, cultural, and other relations between the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan; and
WHEREAS, Former President Bill Clinton declared the first week of May to be “Taiwanese American Heritage Week” in 1999. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of said week. It has significantly promoted a shared community amongst various generations of Taiwanese Americans in California. Additionally, it has tangibly strengthened the bilateral relationship between California and Taiwan in trade, science and technology, education, tourism, and culture; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan now stands as California’s third largest trading partner, with a bilateral trade volume of $38,000,000,000, contributing to more than 120,000 jobs in California. Taiwan is ranked as the 10th largest export market of California’s agricultural products, with an annual volume of $381,000,000. Taiwan-affiliated companies and exports of United States goods and services support over 373,000 well-paid American jobs; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan has the ability and willingness to contribute to international society, and strives towards meaningful participation in important international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Criminal Police Organization, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; and
WHEREAS, The Taiwanese American community staunchly supports democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The United States and Taiwan also share common ideals for a healthy, peaceful, and democratic 21st century; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate acknowledges that Taiwanese communities have made significant and indelible contributions to California’s economic growth and development over the years, and encourages the Californian government to further explore areas of cooperation with Taiwan; and be it further
Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the willingness of the Taiwanese people to participate in international organizations and supports Taiwan’s contributions to the international community across appropriate avenues; and be it further
Resolved, That Taiwan’s democracy is crucial to the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.