The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Monday adopted a resolution supporting the US state’s friendship with Taiwan, inviting Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York Director James Lee (李光章) to witness the process and address the House.
The House supports “the friendship and bilateral relationship between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Taiwan and the signing of a United States-Taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement,” House Resolution No. 208 says.
The House also announced the establishment of a Taiwan caucus during the session.
Photo: AP
The US and Taiwan “are bonded by a shared commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law and a free-market economy,” the resolution says.
Pennsylvania and Taiwan have developed an “enduring and mutually beneficial partnership that facilitates economic, cultural and interpersonal exchanges over the years,” it says.
The Taiwan Relations Act “serves as the cornerstone of US-Taiwan relations to preserve peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” which “is crucial to the maintenance of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” it says, adding that Taiwan is an “indispensable partner” in that effort.
Pennsylvania and Taiwan have formed robust economic relations throughout the years, with the commonwealth reopening a trade and investment office in Taiwan last year, it says.
Pennsylvania is home to an increasing number of Taiwanese companies, which have created thousands of jobs throughout the commonwealth, it added.
The resolution also mentions bilateral cooperation in robotics, automation, artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing, as well as education, especially Mandarin-language education.
Lee expressed “profound gratitude” to representatives for introducing a resolution last month to recognize Oct. 10 as “Taiwan National Day,” after the House on Oct. 4 adopting a resolution recognizing the date as the “National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan).”
Taiwan and Pennsylvania have long enjoyed “dynamic interaction” in economy, education, science and technology, bonding deeper along the way,” he said.
Taiwan is at the forefront of democracy in Asia and shares an unwavering commitment to freedom, democracy and human rights with Pennsylvania, which has played an important role in the formation of US democracy, he said.
Taiwan is a “democratic success story and a trustworthy partner of the US,” he said, thanking US President Joe Biden’s administration for boosting US-Taiwan ties.
Relations between Taiwan and the US have withstood the test of time and continue to grow stronger, he said.
Taiwan would continue to be Pennsylvania’s sincere friend and trustworthy partner, Lee said, encouraging Pennsylvanians to visit Taiwan.
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