J 823: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 28, 2025, as Taiwan Heritage Day in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 823 BY: Senator SEPULVEDA MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 28, 2025, as Taiwan Heritage Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, The United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan) share common values and a clear vision for the 21st century, where freedom and democracy serve as the foundation for peace, prosperity, and progress; and WHEREAS, The U.S. Congress passed the landmark Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) in 1979 to sustain a close bilateral relationship and advance mutual security and commercial interests between the U.S. and Taiwan; thereafter, the TRA and Six Assurances have served as the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations and helped preserve peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait; April 10, 2025, marks the 46th anniversary of the enactment of the TRA; and WHEREAS, Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is crucial to the maintenance of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, and its importance has been highlighted in the global summits such as the QUAD, U.S.-Japan, U.S.-Korea, U.S.-EU, G7, NATO, and EAS summits; moreover, Taiwan is an indispensable partner in safeguarding peace and stability in the region; and WHEREAS, The New York State Senate/Assembly congratulates Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim on the first anniversary of their assumption of office; and WHEREAS, The United States and Taiwan share a close and sustainable economic relationship, including $158.60 billion in bilateral trade in 2024, making Taiwan the 7th largest trading partner of the United States, and it is encouraged for the U.S. and Taiwan to further strengthen their bilateral trade and investment relationship by signing a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and resolving the double taxation issue; and WHEREAS, The United States-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) will help bolster the economic potential of the region by defining shared trade objectives amongst partners and addressing standards for technology, supply chains, the digital economy, and clean energy; Taiwan supports this initiative and wishes to become a full member of IPEF; and WHEREAS, The first agreement under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade went into force on December 10, 2024, which is conducive to deepening the existing trade partnership and enhancing U.S.-Taiwan trade flows to promote innovation and inclusive economic growth for workers and businesses; and WHEREAS, The United States-Taiwan Education Initiative was launched in 2020 to strengthen cooperation on international education and highlight Taiwan's ability to provide Mandarin language instruction; and WHEREAS, Taiwan is a trustworthy partner in mitigating the impact of natural disasters by providing disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and medical assistance; and WHEREAS, The United States has assisted Taiwan in participating in the World Health Organization (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and will continue to support Taiwan's meaningful participation in these and other organizations; and WHEREAS, During the period of October 2023 and October 2024, Taiwan was the fastest growing foreign exports destination for the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Many of the United States' top 500 companies headquartered in New York have invested in Taiwan, while more than 300 Taiwanese companies have invested in the State of New York, contributing to a mutually beneficial relationship; and WHEREAS, Taiwan's semiconductor industry, as a global leader in chip manufacturing and innovation, presents a valuable opportunity to support New York State's efforts to establish its strong semiconductor industry through collaboration, investment, and knowledge-sharing; and WHEREAS, On October 1, 2024, the State of New York announced its establishment of Global NY's international office in Taipei in order to reinforce its commitment to empower New York's small businesses to compete in Taiwan's market, fostering a growth in trade between Taiwan and the State of New York; and WHEREAS, On October 3, 2024, Commissioner Hope Knight of Empire State Development, on behalf of Governor Kathy Hochul, attended the National Day Reception of the Republic of China (Taiwan), highlighting a long and vibrant relationship between New York and Taiwan and praising that New York has the second-largest Taiwanese American population in the United States; and WHEREAS, On August 13, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul signed Legislation S.4329-A /A.3935-A into law, allowing people to exchange their valid overseas license for a New York driver's license if an agreement is reached with their respective government; Taiwan has signed mutual driver's license recognition pacts with 36 U.S. states since 2013; were Taiwan and the State of New York to enter into a driver's license reciprocity agreement with each other, this would help increase the mobility of international students, businessmen, and academics from both sides; and WHEREAS, The State of New York is home to a thriving overseas ethnic Chinese community that supports the Republic of China (Taiwan), including organizations such as the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Taiwan Center, Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of New York, and Chinese Chamber of Commerce of New York; these organizations devote themselves to the harmony and development of the State of New York; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That this legislative body pauses in its deliberations to proclaim May 28, 2025, as Taiwan Heritage Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York; His Excellency Lai Ching-te, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan); and Tom Chih-Chiang Lee, Ambassador of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York.