TO COMMEND AND SUPPORT THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN) FOR ITS RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Whereas, the Republic of China (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 2016, the Republic of China (Taiwan) held its sixth 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 Tsai Ing-wen was elected as the fourteenth president of Taiwan, becoming the first female president in the country's history. Along with her vice president, Chen Chien-jen, she hopes to continue to build the country's already rich tradition of economic vitality, cultural growth, innovation, and self-sufficiency in national defense and protecting Taiwan's democracy; and

Whereas, Taiwan adopted a "New Southbound Policy" in 2016 to promote Taiwan's economic, technological, and cultural connections with Southeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, serving the best interests of the Indo-Pacific region in the continuation of stability and growth; and

Whereas, Taiwan and mainland China have signed more than twenty agreements in the past decade. U.S. 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 each passing year. In addition, the MOU of Reciprocal Driver's License benefits bilateral relations between Taiwan and South Carolina; and

Whereas, 2019 marks the forty-year anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). U.S. President Donald J. Trump signed the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act into law, serving as a framework to improve U.S. leadership in the region and demonstrate its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and rules-based international order; and

Whereas, Taiwan is the United States' ninth-largest trading partner, and the United States is Taiwan's second-largest trading partner; and

Whereas, by working together with Taiwan, South Carolina welcomes all opportunities for an even closer economic partnership, such as the signing of a U.S.-Taiwan Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) and a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), in order to encourage further cultural, educational, and business exchanges between the citizens of both nations; and

Whereas, an active member in the international community, Taiwan has a long history of commitment to international health and humanitarian aid, as well as environmental protection; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House Representatives honor and recognize the democratization efforts of Taiwan and the nation's meaningful participation in the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as other international organizations, and extend their sincerest best wishes for continued cooperation and success. 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 the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its relations with the United States and for other purposes.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Vincent Liu, director general of the Taipei Economic Cultural Office in Atlanta.