The resolution acknowledges the significant historical presence and contributions of Chinese Americans in Washington State, beginning with their migration in the 19th century due to conflicts such as the Taiping Rebellion and the Opium War. By 1880, over 3,000 Chinese individuals were living in the Washington Territory, playing a crucial role in its development. However, this community faced severe racial discrimination, particularly during the economic downturn of the 1880s, which led to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and violent events like the Tacoma and Seattle Riots, resulting in the expulsion and loss of life among Chinese Americans.

Today, Washington is home to more than 190,000 Chinese Americans, who contribute to nearly two percent of the state's population. The resolution highlights the resilience of the Chinese American community, which has formed various organizations and churches to preserve their culture and support new immigrants. It recognizes their significant contributions across multiple sectors, including agriculture, business, academia, government, and the arts, and calls for acknowledgment of the historical discrimination they faced while celebrating their vital role in the state's civic, cultural, and economic life.