SR 8653
In CommitteeSenate
Relationship with Taiwan
Honoring Washington's relationship with Taiwan.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This resolution expresses Washington state’s support for its strong economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties with Taiwan, highlighting trade, investment, shared values, and cooperation in global affairs. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official statement of policy.
- Reaffirms Washington state’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the people of Taiwan.
- Recognizes Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations dealing with global trade, health, safety, and welfare.
- Supports deeper economic and trade partnerships between the United States and Taiwan.
- Endorses the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act as foundational to U.S.-Taiwan relations.
- Directs delivery of the resolution to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle and relevant state and federal officials.
Who is affected
- Washington businesses and workers — Washington-based businesses and workers benefit from strong trade ties with Taiwan, including jobs supported by Taiwanese investments and export opportunities for agricultural and tech products.
- Washington farmers and agricultural producers — Farmers and agricultural producers in Washington rely on Taiwan as a major export market for key products like onions, apples, cherries, coffee, beef, and potatoes.
- Washington state government agencies — The Washington state government seeks to strengthen its international trade presence through its Taipei office, which supports economic development and diplomatic engagement.
- Taiwanese companies and employees in Washington — Taiwanese companies operating in Washington (e.g., TSMC, Eva Air, Evergreen Marine) and their employees are directly affected by policies that support or hinder investment and operations.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
The resolution affirms Washington’s support for deepening economic and trade partnerships with Taiwan, reinforcing the state’s existing trade office in Taiwan and supporting ongoing efforts to expand exports and attract investment. This strengthens the state’s capacity to support jobs tied to Taiwan-related trade and investment, particularly in agriculture and high-tech sectors.
Business & EmploymentRef: Whereas clause 4 (p. 3, line 12–13); Whereas clause 6 (p. 3, line 18–20)The resolution highlights that Washington’s trade with Taiwan totals $3.8 billion and supports over 15,000 jobs through Taiwanese investment (e.g., TSMC, Eva Air, Evergreen Marine). While the resolution itself is symbolic, it reinforces political will to sustain and grow these economic ties, which benefit workers and businesses in export-oriented sectors.
Business & EmploymentRef: Whereas clause 5 (p. 3, line 14–17); Whereas clause 6 (p. 3, line 18–20)The resolution recognizes Taiwan as Washington’s 6th largest trading partner and a top-7 U.S. market for agricultural exports — including key Washington products like onions, apples, cherries, beef, and potatoes. This symbolic endorsement helps maintain political momentum for protecting and expanding access to this critical export market.
Business & EmploymentRef: Whereas clause 5 (p. 3, line 14–17)The resolution endorses U.S. support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations related to health, safety, and civil aviation (e.g., ICAO, INTERPOL), which contributes to global public safety and crisis response — including pandemic coordination and disaster relief — indirectly benefiting Washington residents through improved international cooperation.
Public SafetyRef: Whereas clause 2 (p. 3, line 6–7); Whereas clause 8 (p. 3, line 23–25)The resolution supports Washington’s 2023 reestablishment of its Taiwan office and directs delivery of the resolution to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle. This reinforces the state’s diplomatic infrastructure and may facilitate continued economic development outreach, though no new funding is allocated.
Local GovernmentRef: Whereas clause 7 (p. 3, line 21–22); Whereas clause 9 (p. 3, line 26–27)
Who Is Most Affected
Washington agricultural exporters benefit from continued access to Taiwan’s market for high-value commodities like onions, apples, and cherries. While the resolution itself is symbolic, it reinforces political support for trade continuity, reducing uncertainty for farmers.
Taiwan-based multinationals operating in Washington (e.g., TSMC, Evergreen Marine) benefit from a favorable political climate that supports investment and operations. The resolution may help insulate their activities from federal political volatility.
State agencies involved in trade promotion (e.g., Office of International Affairs, Department of Agriculture) benefit from added political backing for their Taiwan-focused initiatives, though no new funding is provided.
Most Washington households are not directly affected, but workers in export-dependent sectors (logistics, manufacturing, agriculture) may benefit indirectly from sustained job growth tied to Taiwan trade.
The resolution has no direct fiscal impact and does not create new costs or savings for local governments. However, it may support local economic development efforts by reinforcing existing trade ties.