The Indiana House of Representatives on Thursday passed a resolution reaffirming its sister-state relationship with Taiwan, and supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.
The move follows a similar resolution passed by the Idaho House of Representatives on March 27, which declared support for Idaho’s partnership with Taiwan, US-Taiwan trade relations and Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
Indiana’s resolution states that “Taiwan shares the same values of freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, peace, and prosperity with the United States and the State of Indiana.”
Photo: Reuters
It also recognizes Taiwan’s diplomatic approach — described as “integrated diplomacy,” “values-based diplomacy,” and “allies diplomacy” — and acknowledges Taiwan’s willingness and capability to contribute to global efforts such as humanitarian aid and medical assistance.
The resolution also “supports Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, and opposes any distortion or misuse of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 that may attempt to deny Taiwan’s aspirations to make more contributions in international societies.”
It also highlights Taiwan’s economic importance, noting that the US is Taiwan’s second-largest trading partner, while Taiwan ranks as the US’ eighth-largest. Trade and investment ties between the two sides support an estimated 360,400 well-paying jobs across the US.
The resolution also highlights the need to support Indiana businesses in deepening their economic ties with Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act, while affirming that Indiana businesses may legitimately refer to “Taiwan, ROC” simply as “Taiwan” in their commercial dealings.
Indiana was the first US state to establish a sister-state relationship with Taiwan, signing the agreement in November 1979. Since then, the two sides have maintained robust exchanges in trade, education, culture and tourism, the resolution said.
In 2022, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb led a trade delegation to Taiwan, where he signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade relations, and in 2023, Taiwanese chip design giant MediaTek Inc (聯發科) set up a research and development center in West Lafayette, Indiana, it said.
The resolution was introduced by Representative Ryan Lauer, cochair of the Indiana House Taiwan Friendship Caucus, and passed with bipartisan support from 51 lawmakers.
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