On April 11, the Rhode Island Senate and House of Representatives unanimously passed separate resolutions to reaffirm the friendship between Taiwan and Rhode Island. The resolutions support Taiwan's participation in international organizations, commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), and congratulate Taiwan on celebrating the upcoming inauguration of Dr. Lai Ching-te as President and Hsiao Bi-khim as Vice President on May 20, 2024. The State Senate invited TECO-Boston Director-General Charles Liao to witness the passing of the resolutions and to deliver a speech for the first time in the Senate.
Director-General Liao also delivered a speech in the House Chamber in which he thanked members for their long-term, steadfast support. Mr. Liao noted that cooperation will be further deepened between Taiwan and Rhode Island based on mutually shared values of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and a free market economy. He was pleased to see both sides continue to enhance cooperation and exchanges in areas such as trade and education, and he looks forward to a more robust and closer relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. and Taiwan and Rhode Island in the coming years.
TECO-Boston sincerely thanks House Speaker Pro Tempore Brian P. Kennedy for introducing the resolution co-introduced by Speaker Joseph Shekarchi and other leading members. As the session started, Representative Kennedy led the entire House in prayer for victims of the Hualien earthquake. TECO-Boston also thanks Senator Sandra Cano for introducing the Senate resolution, which was co-introduced by other leading Senators.
The national flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was hung high in the House Chamber as a show of support for Taiwan. Ashley Chen, a Taiwanese student from the New England Conservatory of Music, led the singing of the R.O.C. and U.S. National Anthems. Taiwan teachers, students, and community leaders in Rhode Island were also present at the ceremony.
The House held the Fourth Taiwan Day event simultaneously. Participants included House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, Secretary of State Gregg Amore, State Representatives, State Senators, and Taiwan students. TECO-Boston provided bubble milk tea, salted crispy chicken, and other tasty Taiwanese treats for guests to enjoy.
