senate resolution no.115
Senators Chang and Runestad offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Michigan and Taiwan have enjoyed strong bilateral trade, educational and cultural exchanges, and tourism; and
Whereas, Taiwan shares the same values of freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, peace, and prosperity with the United States and the State of Michigan; and
Whereas, The United States ranks as Taiwan’s second-largest trading partner and Taiwan is the eighth-largest trading partner of the United States. Bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded $856 billion in 2021; and
Whereas, Taiwan and the State of Michigan have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the prospect of future growth. Taiwan was Michigan’s seventh-largest export market in Asia in 2020, with $225 million worth of Michigan goods exported to Taiwan; and
Whereas, To strengthen the Taiwan-Michigan bilateral economic relationship, it is essential that Michigan businesses enhance their economic engagement with Taiwan based on the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA, Public Law 96-8, 22 USC § 3301). Article 4, Section b of the TRA stipulates that “wherever 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"; and
Whereas, Taiwan and the United States should further strengthen bilateral trade between our countries, thereby increasing Michigan’s exports to Taiwan and creating bilateral investment; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we encourage the United States and Taiwan to further strengthen bilateral trade between our countries and continue our strong economic and trade partnership; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.