STATE OF MAINE
_____
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FIVE
_____
JOINT RESOLUTION TO REAFFIRM THE FRIENDSHIP
BETWEEN MAINE AND TAIWAN, ENHANCE BILATERAL
TRADE RELATIONS WITH TAIWAN AND SUPPORT TAIWAN'S
INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION
WHEREAS, the United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan) share a robust bilateral
relationship marked by a mutually beneficial partnership and supported by our common values
of freedom, democracy, rule of law and a free market economy, and our countries now enjoy
the strongest relations ever; and
WHEREAS, May 20, 2025 marks the 2nd year of the Honorables Dr. Lai Ching-te as
President and Bi-khim Hsiao as Vice President of Taiwan, thereby demonstrating the vibrancy
of Taiwan's democracy; and
WHEREAS, the United States ranks as Taiwan's 2nd-largest trading partner, and Taiwan
is the 7th-largest trading partner of the United States in 2024, with United States trade in goods
with Taiwan totaling an estimated $157.8 billion, a 34.79% increase over 2023; and
WHEREAS, the government of Taiwan has expressed a desire to reach an Avoidance of
Double Taxation Agreement with the United States, which will increase Maine exports to
Taiwan, bilateral investment and jobs in Maine; and
WHEREAS, Maine and Taiwan have enjoyed a long history of vibrant bilateral relations,
including trade, as evidenced by Maine-Taiwan bilateral trade amounting to $45.47 million in
2024 and Maine exports to Taiwan of $27.95 million, making Taiwan Maine's 8th-largest
export market in Asia; and
WHEREAS, a reciprocal driver's license agreement between Maine and Taiwan would
greatly benefit drivers from both sides, including Maine-Taiwan exchange students and
business people living and working in our respective jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, Maine's Department of Education and the Ministry of Education of the
Republic of China (Taiwan) have entered into a memorandum of understanding to strengthen
and enhance kindergarten to grade 12 educational exchange and cooperation and now seek to
enter into a similar memorandum of understanding for higher education; and
WHEREAS, the United States government actively encourages engagement between the
people of the United States and Taiwan, especially at the state level, in terms of trade,
investment, commerce, education and cultural exchanges and supports Taiwan's meaningful
participation in international organizations, and United States policy toward Taiwan is guided
by the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 and not United Nations Resolution 2758 (1971), which
neither mentions Taiwan nor prevents Taiwan's international participation; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan is a reliable partner and trustworthy democratic ally, making its
inclusion in international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the
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International Civil Aviation Organization imperative for the best interests and safety of the
international community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty-second Legislature
now assembled in the First Special Session, on behalf of the people we represent, support a
stronger United States-Taiwan relationship under the Trump administration, including the
signing of an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with the United States, a driver's
license reciprocity agreement and a memorandum of understanding on higher education with
Taiwan in the near future, and support pursuing ways to further increase trade and people-to-
people exchanges; and be it further
RESOLVED: That we support Taiwan's legitimate right to participate in international
organizations, agreements and mechanisms; and be it further
RESOLVED: That suitable copies of this resolution, duly authenticated by the Secretary
of State, be transmitted to the Honorable Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, the
members of the Maine Congressional Delegation, the Honorable Janet Mills, Governor of
Maine, the Honorable Lai Ching-te, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the
Honorable Charles Liao, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in
Boston, Massachusetts.
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