TO COMMEND AND SUPPORT TAIWAN'S DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, ITS CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNITED STATES, AND THE NATION'S MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION IN THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION, AND THE UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE, AS WELL AS OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND TO EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE BEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED COOPERATION AND SUCCESS.

Whereas, Taiwan and the United States are longstanding allies who both deeply cherish the common values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; and

Whereas, in the year of 2012, Taiwan held its fifth direct presidential election and again demonstrated the strength and vitality of its democratic system, paving the way for Taiwan as a beacon of democracy in Asia and beyond; and

Whereas, Taiwan serves the best interests of the Asia-Pacific region in the continuation of stability and growth. On August 5, 2012, President Ma Ying-jeou proposed the East China Sea Peace Initiative and called upon the parties concerned to resolve the disputes peacefully and to engage in joint development of resources. Taiwan and mainland China also signed the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) in 2010. United States businesses can collaborate with innovative Taiwanese companies in Taiwan's comprehensive protection of intellectual property rights, and then use Taiwan as a springboard for entering mainland China and other key Asian markets; and

Whereas, since 1981, the State of South Carolina and Taiwan have enjoyed long, cordial, and mutually beneficial sister-state relations, a friendship that continues to strengthen with each passing year; and

Whereas, the Honorable Liston Barfield, our former colleague in the House of Representatives and our valued friend, was undaunted in his successful efforts and continued commitment to increase the positive relationship between Taiwan and our great State; and

Whereas, Taiwan is the United States' eleventh-largest trading partner, and the United States is Taiwan's third-largest trading partner; and

Whereas, the designation of Taiwan into the United States' Visa Waiver Program is a significant step to draw travelers from Taiwan, choosing the United States as their destination for trade, investment, and sightseeing; and

Whereas, by working together with Taiwan, South Carolina welcomes all opportunities for an even closer economic partnership, such as the signing of a US-Taiwan Bilateral Investment Agreement and a Free Trade Agreement and the inclusion of Taiwan in the Trans-Pacific Partnership in order to enhance the special sister-state bond between South Carolina and Taiwan and to encourage further cultural, educational, and business exchanges between our citizens; and

Whereas, Taiwan is an active member in the international community with a long history of commitment to international health and humanitarian aid, as well as environmental protection. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, commend and support Taiwan's democratic system of government, its close relationship with the United States, and the nation's meaningful participation in the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as other international organizations, and extend their most sincere best wishes for continued cooperation and success.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Steven Huei-Yuan Tai, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta.