Summary: House Resolution HR 6328 (Rhode Island)

Overview

• Title: House Resolution reaffirming the friendship between the State of Rhode Island and Taiwan while supporting enhanced bilateral relations with Taiwan and Taiwan’s participation in the international community
• Bill Number: HR 6328
• Status: Introduced May 13, 2025; House read and passed May 13, 2025
• Classification: Nonbinding resolution
• Purpose: Express Rhode Island’s support for strengthened bilateral relations with Taiwan and advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and agreements.

Purpose and Intent

• Reaffirm the longstanding friendship between Rhode Island and Taiwan.
• Support expanded bilateral relations, particularly in trade, investment, education, and cultural exchanges.
• Endorse Taiwan’s participation in international bodies and agreements (e.g., WHO, ICAO, UNFCCC) as part of global cooperation.

Key Provisions

• Encourages the Rhode Island state government to promote and strengthen bilateral trade relations with Taiwan.
• Recommends considering the possible opening of a Rhode Island trade office in Taiwan to facilitate exchanges.
• Affirms Taiwan’s right to participate in international organizations and agreements, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Economic and Trade Context Highlighted

• U.S.–Taiwan trade relationship is robust: Taiwan was the United States’ seventh-largest trading partner in 2024; U.S. goods trade with Taiwan totaled about $157.8 billion in 2024 (a 34.79% increase from 2023).
• The U.S. is the largest supplier of agricultural products to Taiwan, totaling about $3.78 billion in 2024.
• Rhode Island’s 2024 exports to Taiwan reached $32.4 million, covering items such as computer equipment, metal processing products, basic chemicals, medical equipment, and electrical equipment/components.
• Taiwan is listed as the 18th-largest export market for Rhode Island, and a Rhode Island trade office in Taiwan is viewed as a means to boost bilateral trade and local jobs.

Administrative and Procedural Details

• The Secretary of State is instructed to transmit certified copies of the resolution to:
  • The President of the United States (as cited: Donald J. Trump)
  • Rhode Island’s U.S. Congressional delegation
  • Governor of Rhode Island (Daniel J. McKee)
  • President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan
  • Director-General Charles Liao of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston

Potential Impact

• Non-binding, symbolic measure signaling Rhode Island’s policy stance in support of stronger U.S.–Taiwan ties and Taiwan’s participation in international forums.
• Could encourage state-level trade outreach, economic diplomacy, and consideration of a formal Rhode Island trade presence in Taiwan.
• May influence future discussions on trade, investment, and educational/cultural exchanges between Rhode Island and Taiwan.

Context

• The resolution aligns with U.S. policy emphasis on Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and supports Taiwan’s engagement in international systems to enhance regional and global security, health, aviation, and climate initiatives.