SR 108 (LSB 6069XS (3) 91)

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 108

BY  SWEENEY

A Resolution honoring the enduring special relationship between the state of Iowa and Taiwan.

   WHEREAS, the state of Iowa established a sister-state relationship with Taiwan in 1989, and Iowa and Taiwan have since enjoyed strong bilateral trade, educational and cultural exchanges, and tourism; and
   WHEREAS, on November 5, 2021, the Iowa General Assembly established the Iowa Statehouse Taiwan Friendship Caucus with bipartisan support, becoming the fourth such caucus established in midwestern states; and
   WHEREAS, Taiwan is a vibrant democracy with a flourishing civil society, grounded in respect for freedom, human rights, and the rule of law; and
   WHEREAS, the state of Iowa and Taiwan have enjoyed a strong and growing partnership over the years, exemplified by extensive cooperation in trade, education, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties; and
   WHEREAS, Taiwan and the state of Iowa share a long and mutually beneficial relationship with significant prospects for future growth, and Taiwan has been one of Iowa’s most important export markets in Asia, supporting Iowa’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors; and
   WHEREAS, Taiwan and the state of Iowa enjoy a strong partnership through the Partner States Program of the Iowa International Center; and
   WHEREAS, in 2024, Taiwan and the state of Iowa signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Cooperation and Trade Relations, strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding opportunities for trade, investment, and industry collaboration; and
   WHEREAS, in November 2025, the Iowa Economic Development Authority assigned a trade representative to its Taiwan office, enhancing the presence of the state of Iowa in Asia and deepening economic and investment ties; and
   WHEREAS, Taiwan was the United States’ 7th largest merchandise trading partner, 12th largest export market, and 8th largest source of imports in 2024; and
   WHEREAS, from 2021 to 2023, trade between the United States and Taiwan grew by 50 percent, and in 2024, reached $158.6 billion, a 24 percent increase, with Taiwan’s direct investment in the United States totaling $14.1 billion, bolstering supply chain resilience, industrial cooperation, innovation, and talent exchanges; and
   WHEREAS, between 2021 and 2024, the United States exported soybeans, corn, wheat, and beef to Taiwan totaling $8.46 billion, benefiting American farmers, including those in the state of Iowa; and
   WHEREAS, President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan announced that businesses plan to increase purchases of these agricultural commodities to $10 billion between 2025 and 2028, an 18 percent increase, helping reduce the trade deficit of the United States and mitigate risks associated with global trade disruptions; and
   WHEREAS, Taiwan pursues integrated, values-based, and allies-focused diplomacy and contributes to humanitarian aid, medical assistance, disaster relief, and global public health; and
   WHEREAS, Taiwan has committed to strengthening its self-defense, with its military budget projected to reach 3.32 percent of gross domestic product next year and a goal of 5 percent by 2030; and
   WHEREAS, Taiwan promotes the Strategic Three Chains: the Democratic Value Chain grounded in freedom, human rights, and rule of law; the Non-Red Supply Chain reducing authoritarian dependence; and the First Island Chain linking South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines as a barrier to authoritarian expansion to make sure peace, prosperity, and security thrive in the Indo-Pacific; and
   WHEREAS, the inclusion of Taiwan on the world stage and its meaningful participation in international organizations are essential to addressing global challenges, and Taiwan contributes significantly to the international community and the maintenance of international order; and
   WHEREAS, Taiwan and the United States have condemned the People’s Republic of China’s misuse of Resolution 2758 issued by the United Nations General Assembly to isolate Taiwan and restrict Taiwan’s sovereign choices; and
   WHEREAS, the United States has reaffirmed that Resolution 2758 does not bar Taiwan’s participation in the United Nations system or other multilateral forums, as stated at the World Health Organization Executive Board and the United Nations Security Council; and
   WHEREAS, as the federal Taiwan Relations Act stipulates that “[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan”, it is legitimate for Iowa businesses to refer to Taiwan as “Taiwan” in conducting business with Taiwan; and
   WHEREAS, negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between Taiwan and the United States represent an important step toward further strengthening bilateral trade, increasing Iowa’s exports to Taiwan, and creating new opportunities for investment and technical collaboration through trade facilitation measures; and
   WHEREAS, Taiwan’s investment in the United States has increased significantly in recent years, underscoring the importance of negotiating and concluding a comprehensive tax agreement to address double taxation in order to attract additional investment and further deepen economic ties between Taiwan, the United States, and the state of Iowa; and
   WHEREAS, the year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election, milestones that highlight the shared values and longstanding partnership between the two nations in advancing liberty, democracy, prosperity, and peace; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the Senate reaffirms its commitment to strengthening and deepening ties between the state of Iowa and Taiwan; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate supports Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the international arena and condemns efforts to undermine Taiwan’s sovereign status or international engagement through the distortion of Resolution 2758 issued by the United Nations General Assembly; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate recognizes the significance of these historic milestones and reaffirms its strong support for continued peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate supports the state of Iowa and Taiwan in continuing to deepen their bilateral partnership, strengthen economic and people-to-people ties, and advance shared democratic values in the years ahead.