2024 Senate Resolution 129

Whereas, The United States and Taiwan possess shared ideals and values of freedom, democracy, human rights, rule of law, and prosperity. Furthermore, the United States has been one of Taiwan’s largest trading partners. Taiwan imports billions of dollars’ worth of agricultural products from the United States; and

Whereas, In May 2023, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation signed a historic memorandum of understanding with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago. Within this memorandum, the two entities recognized their economic and academic connections and their shared objective of deepening their economic development cooperation and trade relationship, to create jobs in both Michigan and Taiwan; and

Whereas, Cooperation between Michigan and Taiwan is important for resilient, diverse, and secure supply chains that benefit people in both places. Moreover, collaboration between Michiganders and Taiwanese citizens and a greater exchange of information, alongside academic partnerships to develop talent and research capabilities, could accelerate the pace of technological innovation and help our people thrive; and

Whereas, In September 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited Taiwan for the first time, and she returned there in March 2024 to announce the opening of the Michigan Taiwan Office. This new office is vital to strengthening the relationship between Michigan and Taiwan, and has already spurred investment by Taiwanese automotive suppliers in the state of Michigan; and

Whereas, These most recent connections build upon a well-established foundation of collaboration between Taiwan and the state of Michigan. The Michigan Department of Education and the Taiwanese Ministry of Education have had an English and Chinese language teacher exchange program since 2006, and the Taiwan Friendship Caucus in the Michigan Legislature seeks to further strengthen ties between our people, governments, and economies; and

Whereas, The United States government has taken steps to foster a closer relationship with Taiwan. Congress has appropriated funds for aid to Taiwan on multiple occasions. In March 2024, Congress provided over 300 million dollars in aid to Taiwan, and in April 2024, Congress appropriated almost two billion dollars for Taiwan to replenish defense equipment and reimburse the U.S. Department of Defense for its services. Under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade, the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States are negotiating a series of bilateral trade agreements, the first of which was signed in June 2023 and implemented by legislation passed by Congress and signed by the President in August 2023. Negotiations for a second agreement are ongoing; and

Whereas, Notwithstanding this progress, the United States could go further to enhance its connections with Taiwan. The bilateral trade agreements with Taiwan could be more expansive, and the United States should encourage Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations; and

Whereas, Taiwan has a policy of “steadfast diplomacy,” under which the government aims for mutual benefit and peace, and builds sustainable partnerships with Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and countries that share Taiwan’s values; now, therefore, be it

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

Resolved, That we endorse the ongoing work of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago to increase awareness about Taiwan across the Midwest; and be it further

Resolved, That we continue to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations that impact the health, safety, and well-being of the people of Taiwan.