Michigan State Legislature Passes Pro-Taiwan Resolution for 5th Straight Year, Condemns China's Diplomatic Pressure

NEW YORK, April 21 (CNA) - The Michigan Senate and House of Representatives passed pro-Taiwan resolutions today, supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations and condemning China's diplomatic bullying. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Michigan lawmakers have taken action to support Taiwan.

The resolutions emphasize that the Taiwan-U.S. relationship is long-standing and based on shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. They commended recent progress in trade negotiations and affirmed Taiwan's proactive diplomacy. Specifically, the text calls for the signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and an Agreement for the Departure of Double Taxation (ADTA).

Director General Yen-feng Lei of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago attended the session. He urged legislators to oppose China's misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758 and condemned China's recent interference with President Lai's visit to Eswatini by pressuring African nations to cancel flight permits. Michigan legislators expressed outrage at these tactics, reaffirming that Taiwan, as a sovereign state, has every right to engage with the world.