The Florida Senate has passed a resolution commemorating the 45th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act and expressing support for Taiwan.
The resolution was passed on February 28th, celebrating the election of Vice President Ching-te Lai and former Representative to the U.S., Ambassador Bi-khim Hsiao, as the 16th President and Vice President of Taiwan. It also acknowledges the pivotal role of the Taiwan Relations Act in establishing a solid foundation for bilateral relations between Taiwan and the United States.
Director General Chou was invited to witness the proceedings and expressed gratitude for the Florida Senate's renewed support for Taiwan. He emphasized the hope for continued deepening of bilateral exchanges in various fields, including commerce and culture, between Taiwan and Florida.
The resolution highlights the recent presidential election in Taiwan, where Vice President Ching-te Lai and Ambassador Bi-khim Hsiao were elected amidst China's attempts to suppress and coerce during the campaign. It commends the people of Taiwan for their unwavering commitment to defending the principles of freedom and democracy, symbolizing the maturity of Taiwan's democratic development and the shared core values of democracy and freedom between Taiwan and the United States.
Furthermore, the resolution notes that April 10th marks the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, which laid the foundation for economic, trade, and cultural relations between the people of the United States and Taiwan. Taiwan is currently the 9th largest trading partner of the U.S. and the 4th largest goods trading partner for Florida in the Asia-Pacific region. Sister city relationships between several cities in Taiwan and Florida, such as Miami-Dade County and New Taipei City, Orlando and Tainan City, and Miami and Kaohsiung City, are also highlighted.
The resolution expresses strong support from the Florida Senate for Taiwan's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) to further deepen economic and trade relations between Taiwan and the United States.
In response to an invitation from 16 members of the Florida Senate and House of Representatives, Director General Chou shared insights on the critical role the Taiwan Relations Act has played in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region over the past 45 years. He looked forward to strengthening ties between Taiwan and Florida across various sectors.
In the photo: (from left to right) , Florida State Representative John Snyder, , Representative Demi Busatta Cabrera, and Representative Jason Shoaf.
Director General Chou shares views with members of the Florida State Senate and House of Representatives on the crucial role played by the Taiwan Relations Act over the past 45 years in maintaining peace, stability, and security, as well as fostering prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Director General Chou and receives a warm welcome from all members of the Florida Senate.
Director General Chou and Florida State Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez.
Director General Chou and Florida State Representative Vicki Lopez.