Taiwan Rises as 4th Largest US Trade Partner; Massachusetts Legislature Resolves to Deepen Cooperation

The Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives both passed a resolution on the 15th, emphasizing shared democratic, rule-of-law values and support for deepening bilateral cooperation. The resolution congratulates President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim on their two-year anniversary, acknowledges Taiwan's democratic achievements, values the sister-state friendship, and promotes 'comprehensive diplomacy' to strengthen the overall Taiwan-US partnership, supporting Taiwan's expanded international participation. The resolution notes that 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the US's founding and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's presidential direct elections, symbolizing the firm commitment of Taiwan and the US to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Taiwan has become the 4th largest trade partner of the US in 2025 and the 5th largest export market for Massachusetts in Asia, with trade and investment between Taiwan and Massachusetts continuing to grow. Future cooperation can be further deepened through signing economic and trade exchange memorandums and establishing a trade office in Taiwan, particularly in key areas such as biotechnology, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and defense industries. It also supports the signing of a double taxation avoidance agreement between Taiwan and the US to promote investment and employment, and encourage expanded educational and civilian exchanges. The resolution states that US policy towards Taiwan is based on the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 and supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to contribute to the international community. The Massachusetts State Senate also passed a pro-Taiwan resolution for the first time in nearly 10 years, emphasizing the mutual commitment to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, and expressing support for further deepening economic and trade cooperation between Taiwan and the US, and between Taiwan and Massachusetts.