Iowa Senate adopts resolution reaffirming ties with Taiwan

The Iowa Senate on Feb. 24 adopted Senate Resolution 108 reaffirming the state’s ‘‘sister state’’ relationship with Taiwan and endorsing deeper economic and people‑to‑people ties.

The resolution, presented by Senator Sweeney, notes Iowa established a sister‑state relationship with Taiwan in 1989 and cites a 2024 memorandum of understanding on economic cooperation and trade. Director General Dennis Lai and Paul Sun, a Taipei Economic and Cultural Office official, were introduced in the gallery during the reading.

The measure summarizes recent trade and investment figures, saying that in 2024 U.S.–Taiwan merchandise trade reached 158,600,000,000 and Taiwan’s direct investment in the United States totaled 14,100,000,000. It also cites U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 and the Taiwan Relations Act as background and states the Senate’s support for Taiwan’s meaningful international participation.

Senator Sweeney moved adoption of the resolution. After the presiding officer called for the ayes and nays and 'Aye' was announced, the chair declared the resolution adopted.

The resolution also ‘‘condemns efforts to undermine Taiwan’s sovereign status’’ and expresses support for negotiating trade agreements that might address double taxation to deepen investment ties. The chamber made no substantive amendments at the time of the reading; the resolution passed by voice vote.

The Senate recessed afterward for party caucuses; no further action on the measure was recorded in this transcript.