SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9

        A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION, Strengthening the sister-state ties between the State of South Dakota and the Republic of China (Taiwan), supporting the signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement between Taiwan and the United States, and reaffirming support for increasing Taiwan's international profile.

    WHEREAS, the State of South Dakota and Taiwan entered into a sister-state relationship in 1984; and

    WHEREAS, Taiwan shares the same values of freedom, democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights with South Dakota; and

    WHEREAS, South Dakota and Taiwan have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship and anticipate continuing growth; and

    WHEREAS, negotiations for a fair and reciprocal Bilateral Trade Agreement between Taiwan and the United States are an important step toward further strengthening bilateral trade, thereby increasing South Dakota's exports to Taiwan and promoting two-way investment; and

    WHEREAS, Taiwan honored fifty-two South Dakota veterans who served in Taiwan during 1955-1979 with the presentation of the "U.S.-R.O.C. Mutual Defense Commemorative Badge" in August 2017, demonstrating that Taiwan is a longtime and firm ally of the United States; and

    WHEREAS, Taiwan, as a responsible stakeholder and contributor in the international community, is seeking to meaningfully participate in the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, and International Criminal Police Organization:

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Senate of the Ninety-Third Legislature of the State of South Dakota, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the Legislature praises Taiwan's mature and vital democracy, as well as celebrates the thirty-fourth anniversary of sister-state relations with Taiwan; and

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Legislature supports the signing for a Bilateral Trade Agreement with Taiwan and welcomes even closer bilateral trade and investment ties; and

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Legislature supports Taiwan's appropriate participation in international organizations that impact the health, safety, and well-being of its people.

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Adopted by the Senate,

Concurred in by the House of Representatives,

Matt Michels President of the Senate	Kay Johnson Secretary of the Senate
G. Mark Mickelson Speaker of the House	Sandra J. Zinter Chief Clerk of the House