New Jersey’s Senate and House of Representatives passed the AR98 and SR128 resolutions in their meeting on October 28 without objection. The resolutions not only commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and the 35th anniversary of the sister state relationship between New Jersey and Taiwan but also acknowledge Governor Phil Murphy’s establishment of the Asia-Pacific Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan, recognizing that this initiative will help both sides build a partnership focused on driving economic growth through innovation.
The resolutions underscore the Taiwan Relations Act as a crucial cornerstone of the Taiwan-US relationship, essential for maintaining peace, stability, freedom, and openness in the vital Indo-Pacific region. In 2023, Taiwan was the 7th largest trading partner of the United States, demonstrating the strong bilateral economic and trade partnership between the two nations, as well as highlighting the importance of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) between Taiwan and the United States. The Taiwan-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement of the 21st century can promote and deepen bilateral economic and trade relations, bringing growth to both Taiwanese and American workers and businesses. The resolutions support continued American assistance for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The resolutions also congratulate President Lai, Vice President Hsiao on their elections and commend the democratic strength displayed by the Taiwanese people during the electoral process. They also mention the many significant developments in bilateral relations between Taiwan and the United States and Taiwan and New Jersey, highlighting the close and friendly ties between Taiwan and the United States at both the federal and local levels, which carry substantial significance.
Ambassador Li Chih-Chiang, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, attended as a distinguished guest to witness the resolutions’ passage. After Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin announced the passage of the resolutions with 76 votes in favor and 0 votes against, he warmly welcomed and thanked Ambassador Li for attending the State Legislature.
Senate President Nicholas Scutari, following the oral approval of the resolutions by all the senators, handed the resolutions to Ambassador Li and invited the pro-Taiwan lawmakers to gather in front of the chamber for a photo. Ambassador Li also jointly announced the official establishment of the “Taiwan Caucus” in the New Jersey State Legislature with Senator Gordon Johnson and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak on the same day. The Taiwanese offices in New York oversee the establishment of Taiwan caucuses or pro-Taiwan groups in the state legislatures of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. All four states’ legislatures have passed pro-Taiwan resolutions this year, demonstrating tangible support and friendship toward Taiwan, for which the Taiwanese offices express sincere gratitude.