Chapter 0099 - 502R - H Ver of HB2440

House Engrossed

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fiftieth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2012

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2019

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

supporting the international participation of taiwan.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Whereas, the Republic of China (Taiwan) became Asia's first republic in 1911. Over the past two decades Taiwan has been praised as a beacon of democracy for Asia and has taken great steps forward to enter the world arena as a trusted partner; and

Whereas, Taiwan is not currently permitted to join many international organizations, preventing it from making significant contributions to the world arena in such areas as economy, aviation, health and climate; and

Whereas, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has achieved economic and social stability and is currently the world's 16^th largest trading nation. In 2010, United States exports to Taiwan increased by 43%, and Taiwan sent 25 procurement missions to the United States between 1978 and 2009, which have enhanced the mutually beneficial trade relations and permanent friendship between the two countries; and

Whereas, Taiwan's continuing absence from international climate organizations has impeded its ability to respond to natural disasters such as Typhoon Morakot in 2009. Similarly, Taiwan's absence from international organizations dealing with airline safety and security has left a gap in the international aviation security system, as Taiwan is a key transport hub in the Asia-Pacific region and has one of the world's largest airports by cargo volume, Taoyuan International Airport; and

Whereas, the Taiwan government highly values its relations with the United States and continually seeks to demonstrate its willingness to contribute its resources and expertise to the international community. Taiwan seeks to contribute to peace, freedom and security in the world as a responsible stakeholder and peaceable nation of 23 million citizens through the Republic of China's policies, such as "viable diplomacy" in foreign affairs and its pragmatic approach to relations with mainland China; and

Whereas, Arizona has had a strong economic and cultural relationship with Taiwan since establishing sister-state relations more than thirty years ago and is proud to join more than 23 other states in passing resolutions supporting Taiwan's international participation.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature support the participation of Taiwan in the international community, the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.