Reps. Kesto, Canfield, Gay-Dagnogo and Jones offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 261.

            A resolution to urge a bilateral free trade agreement between the United States and the Republic of China and reaffirm our support for increasing their international visibility.

            Whereas, The state of Michigan and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have enjoyed a relationship marked by strong bilateral trade, education, cultural exchanges, and tourism. Taiwan shares many of the same values—freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, peace, and prosperity—with the United States and the state of Michigan; and

            Whereas, The United States and Taiwan are important trading partners. The United States ranks as Taiwan's 2nd largest trading partner, and Taiwan is the 10th largest trading partner of the United States. Together, trade between our two nations accounted for $65.4 billion in 2016; and

            Whereas, Taiwan and the state of Michigan have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial trading relationship with the prospect of future growth. The nation was Michigan’s 6th largest Asian export market in 2016, which amounted to $299 million in Michigan goods being exported to Taiwan; and

            Whereas, Strengthening bilateral trade between our countries is important. This trade agreement will increase Michigan’s exports to Taiwan, create bilateral investment, and grow technical collaboration through tariff reduction and other trade facilitation measures; and

            Whereas, Taiwan has undertaken a policy of "steadfast diplomacy" in its international relations to the benefit of us all. Taiwan is a responsible actor who engages collaboratively with the global community to address challenges like humanitarian aid and disease control; and

Whereas, Taiwan’s participation in international organizations—including the World Health Assembly, International Civil Aviation Organization, and INTERPOL—benefits not just the people of Taiwan but also the international community as a whole. Through increased communication and accomplishing shared goals, gained through a non-exclusionary approach to global participation, Taiwan and the world are strengthened; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge a bilateral free trade agreement between the United States and the Republic of China and reaffirm our support for increasing their international visibility; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, Illinois, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.