2024 House Resolution 280

Whereas, Taiwan shares values of freedom, democracy, human rights, rule of law, peace, and prosperity with the United States and the state of Michigan; and

Whereas, Taiwan and the United States are key partners in trade. The United States ranks as Taiwan’s second-largest trading partner, and in 2022, Taiwan was the United States’ ninth-largest goods trading partner. Bilateral trade in goods and services reached nearly 160 billion dollars that year; and

Whereas, Taiwan is a particularly important market for United States agricultural products. Taiwan imported 4.4 billion dollars’ worth of United States farm products in 2022, making it the sixth-largest export market for United States food and agricultural products. In 2023, Taiwan was our nation’s sixth-largest export market for soybeans and our eighth-largest export market for corn, individually. This is particularly impressive when considered on a per capita basis, as Taiwan has a relatively small population compared to most of our large agricultural export markets. Due to our nation’s high-quality produce, the United States remains one of Taiwan’s largest sources of agricultural products, supplying more than one-fifth of Taiwan’s agricultural imports in 2022; and

Whereas, Taiwan and the state of Michigan have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship. Michigan has a vibrant Taiwanese American community that has enriched the state’s culture, cuisine, and commerce for decades. Taiwan was Michigan’s tenth-largest export market in Asia in 2023, with over 247 million dollars’ worth of Michigan goods exported to Taiwan that year. In early March 2024, the state of Michigan opened the Michigan Taiwan Office to promote further investment by Taiwanese firms in our state. There is great potential for future growth if we continue to deepen our ties with Taiwan; and

Whereas, In conducting business with Taiwan, Michigan businesses should refer to Taiwan as “Taiwan.” In 1979, the United States enacted the Taiwan Relations Act to provide for the continuation of relations between the people of the United States and the people on the island of Taiwan. Section 4(b)(1) of the act provides: “Whenever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” Thus, it is legitimate for Michigan businesses to refer to Taiwan as “Taiwan” when conducting business and establishing ties with Taiwan; and

Whereas, The United States is actively taking steps to strengthen bilateral trade between the United States and Taiwan. On June 1, 2023, representatives of the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States signed a bilateral trade agreement under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade, and Congress enacted legislation to approve and implement that agreement in August 2023. Negotiations regarding a second agreement are ongoing. While this progress is encouraging, an avoidance of double taxation agreement for Taiwan has not yet been enacted, and Taiwan remains excluded from the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. The United States could take further action to encourage bilateral investment and technical collaboration through tariff reduction and other trade facilitation measures; and

Whereas, Taiwan has undertaken a policy of “steadfast diplomacy” in its foreign relations, prioritizing mutual assistance and robust relationships with governments that share common values. Taiwan is capable of, and willing to, fulfill its responsibilities and collaborate with the world to deal with the challenges of humanitarian aid and disease control; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we express our commitment to the strengthening and deepening of ties between the state of Michigan and Taiwan; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge all enterprises in Michigan to refer to Taiwan as “Taiwan,” consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge the United States and Taiwan to enter into additional bilateral trade agreements and an avoidance of double taxation agreement; and be it further

Resolved, That we support the inclusion of Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity; and be it further

Resolved, That we support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the International Criminal Police Organization, which impact the health, safety, and well-being of the people of Taiwan; and be it further

Resolved, That we support Taiwan’s aspiration to make more contributions in international societies; and be it further

Resolved, That we support Taiwan in its efforts to increase its international profile.