Thompson Resolution Honoring 30th Anniversary of NJ-Taiwan “Sister State” Relationship Passes Senate

Bill Also Commemorates 40th Anniversary of the Federal “Taiwan Relations Act”

Senator Sam Thompson’s resolution to commemorate the robust and enduring relationship between New Jersey and Taiwan has passed the New Jersey Senate.

“I am proud that the United States, and especially our great state of New Jersey, have maintained a strong and special relationship with Taiwan for decades,” said Thompson (R-12). “Just in 2017, the Garden State exported hundreds of millions of dollars of products to Taiwan, making the island the sixth largest export market for New Jersey in Asia. We must continue to make every effort to sustain this mutually beneficial friendship.”

Thompson’s bipartisan resolution, SR-137, observes the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the “Taiwan Relations Act” and the 30th anniversary of the New Jersey-Taiwan sister state relationship. It also recognizes the importance of a resilient and continuing partnership between New Jersey and Taiwan, and reiterates support for a closer economic and trade partnership between the United States and Taiwan.

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter enacted the “Taiwan Relations Act” (TRA). Ten years later, New Jersey and Taiwan entered into the aforementioned sister state relationship. They continue to enjoy a close and prosperous affiliation.

New Jersey is home to a growing number of Taiwanese companies, including Formosa Plastics Corporation, Eva Air, Evergreen Marine, Yang Ming Marine Transport, the Friendwell Group of Companies, and AAEON Electronic Inc., all of which helped to create jobs in this state.

Thompson visited Taiwan last December.

“Throughout my time in Taiwan, I enjoyed the vibrant culture and economic dialogue,” added Thompson. “I was particularly impressed with their advanced development in many technology areas as well as their overall excellent infrastructure. I am committed to fostering our bilateral economic ties.”