Legislature Welcomes Taiwan Delegation
The Oklahoma Legislature welcomed a delegation from Taiwan to the State Capitol on Wednesday and reaffirmed the body's commitment to supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific. Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, introduced Director-General Yvonne Hsiao and Consul Michelle Lu from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Houston. Oklahoma and Taiwan have maintained a sister-state relationship for 45 years and last year, Oklahoma exported over $46 million in goods to Taiwan. "Taiwan has long been a trusted friend and partner to Oklahoma," Pae said. "Over the last 45 years, we have built a lasting partnership based on mutual growth and prosperity. However, our relationship goes beyond economic benefits. It is essential that we continue to support our democratic allies in Taiwan." The House also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 by Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, and Pae. The measure expresses the Legislature's support for Oklahoma's continued partnership with Taiwan and celebrates the 46th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979. "For more than four decades, the State of Oklahoma has benefited immeasurably from our sister-state relationship with Taiwan," Pederson said. "In agriculture, technology, and other industries, Taiwan’s partnership has been critical for innovation and economic growth, and we look forward to this collaboration fostering further economic opportunities for our state and our international partners in Taiwan."