HR160: HR160 Taiwan; relations with the United States and the State of Georgia; commend

25 LC 129 0092 House Resolution 160 By: Representatives Lupton of the 83rd, Gambill of the 15th, Jones of the 47th, Williamson of the 112th, and Kelley of the 16th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Taiwan for its relations with the United States and the State1 of Georgia; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Taiwan and the United States of America are long-stand ing allies who both3 deeply cherish the common values of democracy, peace, and prosperity; and 4 WHEREAS, Taiwan continues to pursue integrated diplomacy and serve the best interests5 of the Indo-Pacific region by deepening ties with other like-mi nded nations, safeguarding6 regional security, and utilizing Taiwan's technological and eco nomic success to promote7 partnerships on mutual benefits; and8 WHEREAS, China repeatedly exerts economic coercion, stages mili tary drills directed9 toward Taiwan, and distorts United Nations Resolution 2758 (XXV I) excluding Taiwan's10 participation from international organizations, which results i n global challenges to11 rules-based international order and aggressive authoritarian expansionism; and12 WHEREAS, Taiwan is the United States' eighth-largest trading partner, and the United States13 is Taiwan's second-largest trading partner, with an estimated $ 128 billion worth of trade;14 Taiwan was Georgia's 15th largest import and 17th largest export market in 2023; and15 H. R. 160 - 1 - 25 LC 129 0092 WHEREAS, the United States and Taiwan's first agreement entered into force under the16 "US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade," which includes co mmitments on17 anti-corruption, good regulatory practices, customs administration and trade facilitation, and18 small- and medium-sized enterprises; and19 WHEREAS, the Taiwanese government donated $200,000 for Hurrican e Helene relief to20 Georgia, and Taiwan's National Day was joyously celebrated at the Georgia Aquarium last21 October with more than 250 distinguished guests, including gove rnment officials,22 entrepreneurs, and leaders from the Taiwanese community; this e vent emphasized the23 celebration of the Taiwan Relations Act's 45th anniversary as well as symbolized the strong24 connection between Taiwan and Georgia.25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that26 the members of this body support constant talks under the "US-T aiwan Initiative on27 21st-Century Trade" and a "US-Taiwan Avoid Double Taxation Agreement," as Taiwanese28 companies are looking for a diverse and free market investment in the United States, as well29 as encourage the State of Georgia to establish a trade office in Taiwan as 23 other states and30 Guam have done; organize a trade delegation to Taiwan to attrac t more investments; and31 encourage city governments to participate in the annual "Smart City" forum in Taiwan.32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that with the celebration of Taiwan's de mocracy and the33 reaffirmation of the United States' commitment to Taiwan, the members of this body support34 the Taiwan Caucus as a means to explore more collaborative opportunities with Taiwan as35 well as support Taiwan's meaningful participation in internatio nal organizations and36 economic cooperations such as WHO, UNFCCC, ICAO, INTERPOL, CPTPP, and IPEF.37 H. R. 160 - 2 - 25 LC 129 0092 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body support th e signing of an38 education cooperation MOU with Taiwan to facilitate more exchanges of scholars, teachers,39 and students as well as the use of the Test of Chinese as a For eign Language as a Chinese40 proficiency assessment tool for the Georgia State Seal of Biliteracy and encourage Georgians41 to take part in Taiwanese American Heritage Week in May and oth er activities and42 experiences that promote Taiwan's cultures, tourism, and delicacies such as Boba tea.43 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized44 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to45 Governor Brian Kemp, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia Congressional46 Delegation, and Mr. Elliot Wang, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural47 Office in Atlanta.48 H. R. 160 - 3 -