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SR 1069

SENATE 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

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Ciccone and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island reaffirms friendship with Taiwan and seeks stronger trade ties and Taiwan’s participation in international bodies, plus exploring a RI trade office in Taiwan.

05/13/2025 Senate read and passed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 1069

Summary: Rhode Island Senate Resolution SR 1069

What it is

SR 1069 is a Rhode Island Senate resolution introduced on May 13, 2025 and passed by the Senate on the same day. The resolution reaffirms friendship between Rhode Island and Taiwan, and calls for enhanced bilateral relations and Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. It is a non-binding resolution (not a statute) and does not authorize state spending.

Purpose and intent

  • Reaffirm Rhode Island’s friendship with Taiwan.
  • Support stronger bilateral trade and economic ties.
  • Endorse Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international fora and agreements (e.g., WHO, ICAO, UNFCCC).
  • Promote the idea of a Rhode Island trade office in Taiwan to bolster exchanges and opportunities.
  • Align Rhode Island policy with U.S. policy toward Taiwan, anchored in the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) of 1979, and emphasize that UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971) does not govern Taiwan’s international participation in the view of U.S. policy.

Key provisions and changes

  • Recognition of a robust U.S.–Taiwan relationship based on shared democratic values (freedom, rule of law, free market).
  • Acknowledgment of Taiwan’s leadership under President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao as of May 20, 2025.
  • Cites substantial U.S.–Taiwan trade activity:
    • 2024 U.S. trade in goods with Taiwan: approximately $157.8 billion (a 34.79% increase from 2023).
    • U.S. agricultural products exports to Taiwan: about $3.78 billion in 2024 (largest supplier to Taiwan in agriculture).
  • Recognizes Taiwan’s interest in an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA) with the United States and the potential economic benefits for Rhode Island (exports, investment, jobs).
  • Highlights Rhode Island’s 2024 exports to Taiwan: $32.4 million, covering computer equipment, metal processing products, basic chemicals, medical equipment, and electrical equipment/components.
  • States that Taiwan is the 18th-largest export market for Rhode Island, and notes the potential value of a Rhode Island trade office in Taiwan to expand trade.
  • Encourages how Rhode Island government can promote trade with Taiwan, including considering a trade office in Taiwan.
  • Supports Taiwan’s participation in international organizations (WHO, ICAO) and global climate initiatives (UNFCCC).
  • Clarifies adherence to TRA as the basis of U.S. policy toward Taiwan; U.N. Resolution 2758 is not viewed as controlling Taiwan’s participation as per the resolution.
  • Transmission directive: The Secretary of State is directed to transmit certified copies of the resolution to:
    • Donald J. Trump, President of the United States (noting the text specifies the recipient as President Trump)
    • Rhode Island Delegation to Congress
    • Governor Daniel J. McKee
    • President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan
    • Director-General Charles Liao of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston

Who would be affected

  • Rhode Island state government and its international/commercial engagement strategies.
  • Rhode Island businesses and exporters seeking opportunities with Taiwan.
  • Taiwan, as a diplomatic and economic partner.
  • Rhode Island residents through potential growth in trade and job opportunities supported by stronger ties.

Procedural and timeline context

  • Introduced and immediately recommended for immediate consideration on May 13, 2025.
  • Senate read and passed on the same day (SR 1069 is a concurrent ceremonial/expressive resolution rather than a funding or regulatory bill).

Bottom line

SR 1069 formalizes Rhode Island’s commitment to a strong Rhode Island–Taiwan relationship, advocates for enhanced trade, and supports Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, reflecting broader U.S. policy and regional interests. The resolution invites state-level actions (e.g., exploring a Rhode Island trade office in Taiwan) while outlining the formal transmission of the resolution to key national and international partners.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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