Bill
HR 50
Reaffirms Indiana’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan and urges expanded economic, educational, and diplomatic ties, including continued TRA framework and Taiwan’s global parti
Title: Reaffirming the commitment of sister ties between Indiana and Taiwan
Jurisdiction: Indiana House of Representatives
Session: 2026
Purpose and intent
- The bill is a House Resolution that formally reaffirms Indiana’s long-standing sister-state relationship with Taiwan (Republic of China, ROC) and supports continued and expanded cooperation.
- It seeks to strengthen economic, educational, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Indiana and Taiwan, aligning with broader U.S.–Taiwan-Indiana interests.
Key provisions and changes
- Section 1: Reaffirms Indiana’s commitment to deepening the Indiana–Taiwan sister-state relationship.
- Section 2: Endorses the continuation of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) framework and the 2025 Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act. Encourages Indiana officials to engage with Taiwan diplomats and to travel to Taiwan without fear of adversarial pressure.
- Section 3: Supports Taiwan’s efforts to engage in bilateral trade negotiations with the United States and reiterates support for a closer economic and trade partnership between Indiana and Taiwan.
- Section 4: Endorses Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and opposes any distortion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (which recognizes the PRC as the representative of China in the UN and affects Taiwan’s international status).
- Section 5: Requires the Principal Clerk to transmit copies of the resolution to Indiana’s congressional delegation and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago.
Background and context cited in the bill
- Indiana’s historic ties: Indiana became Taiwan’s first sister state in 1979, with ongoing trade, education, cultural exchanges, and tourism.
- Recent developments cited: Governor Holcomb’s 2022 Taiwan visit and an MOU on economic cooperation; Indiana’s Taipei office opened by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (August 2024); Taiwan’s investment and collaboration with Indiana’s economy (e.g., MediaTek’s involvement, and a December 2025 expansion in Indiana’s West Lafayette).
- Trade and investment context: Taiwan is a major trading partner for the United States; substantial bilateral trade and investment supported American jobs; agriculture and tech sectors noted (e.g., soybeans, corn purchases; semiconductor design engagement).
Who is affected
- Indiana government entities: State legislators and the Executive Branch are encouraged to engage with Taiwan and travel for diplomatic/economic purposes.
- Indiana businesses and institutions: The resolution signals policy support for stronger trade and investment links with Taiwan, potentially influencing state-level economic development efforts, supplier diversification, and collaboration opportunities.
- Taiwan and U.S.–Taiwan relations: The resolution expresses support for Taiwan’s international participation and for closer economic ties with Indiana and the United States.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- This is a House Resolution (no new law or funding) expressing a formal position and policy stance.
- Introduced and coauthored/endorsed by a broad group of Indiana representatives (numerous sponsors and co-sponsors listed).
- No fiscal provisions or programmatic authorizations are included; the action is symbolic and aspirational, intended to guide future diplomacy and economic engagement.
- Transmission: Copies of the resolution will be sent to Indiana’s congressional delegation and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago.
Overall takeaway
- HR 50 is a ceremonial/statement of policy reaffirming Indiana’s strong, ongoing sister-state relationship with Taiwan and urging continued engagement, trade negotiations, and meaningful Taiwan participation in international affairs, while reiterating support for TRA-based framework and U.S.–Taiwan economic cooperation. It signals political support and intent to pursue deeper ties, without creating new legal obligations or funding.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
