A house RESOLUTION

 

to Commend Taiwan for its relations with the United States and with the State of South Carolina.

 

Whereas, Taiwan and the United States of America are long-standing allies who both deeply cherish the common values of democracy, peace, and prosperity; Taiwan continues to pursue integrated diplomacy and serve the best interests of the Indo-Pacific region by deepening ties with other like-minded nations, safeguarding regional security, and utilizing Taiwan's technological and economic success to promote partnerships on mutual benefits; and

 

Whereas, the year 2026 marks both the 250th Anniversary of United States Independence and the 30th Anniversary of Taiwan's first direct presidential election, milestones that honor liberty and the principle that sovereignty resides in the people; this shared celebration reaffirms the Taiwan-US commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and a rules-based international order; through close cooperation, Taiwan and the United States strengthen democratic values and contribute to Indo-Pacific security, economic resilience, and global peace and stability for future generations; and

 

Whereas, the People's Republic of China has repeatedly engaged in economic coercion, held military exercises directed toward Taiwan, and misinterpreted United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI) to obstruct Taiwan's contributions to the international community, thereby challenging the rules-based international order and enabling aggressive authoritarian expansionism; and

 

Whereas, Taiwan is the United States' seventh-largest trading partner, and the United States is Taiwan's second-largest, with bilateral trade-in-goods value estimated at 158.8 billion dollars; the first agreement implemented under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade establishes commitments on anti-corruption measures, sound regulatory practices, customs administration and trade facilitation, and the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises; and

 

Whereas, F-16 fighter jets procured by Taiwan are assembled in Greenville, supporting 46,000 local jobs. The F-16 Block70 rollout ceremony took place on March 28, 2024, marking the official unveiling of the first completed unit from this production line. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, commend Taiwan for its relations with the United States and with the State of South Carolina.

 

Be it further resolved that the House of Representatives supports constant talks under the "US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade" and a U.S.-Taiwan double taxation avoidance mechanism, as Taiwanese companies are looking for a diverse and free market investment in the United States, and encourages the organization of a trade delegation to Taiwan to attract more investments.

 

Be it further resolved that, with the celebration of Taiwan's democracy and the reaffirmation of the United States' commitment to Taiwan, the members of this body support the Taiwan Caucus as a means to explore more collaborative opportunities with Taiwan; and in recognition of Taiwan's professionalism and global contribution in such areas as healthcare, climate change, civil aviation security, transnational crime crackdown, and trade and investment, the members support Taiwan's participation in multinational platforms and economic frameworks.

 

Be it further resolved that the members of this body encourage the state executives and officials to further engage with their counterparts in Taiwan to explore, enhance and deepen substantive relationships on issues that concern the State; support more exchanges of scholars, teachers, and students under the education cooperation MOU between South Carolina and Taiwan, as well as encourage South Carolinians to use Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL), which was approved by the South Carolina Department of Education in 2025 as a Chinese proficiency assessment tool for the South Carolina State Seal of Biliteracy; and encourage participation in Taiwanese American Heritage Week in May and other activities and experiences that promote Taiwan's cultures, tourism, and delicacies.

 

Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be provided to Governor Henry McMaster, Secretary of State Mark Hammond, the South Carolina Congressional Delegation, and Mr. Jared Lin, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta.

----XX----