Arizona lawmaker reads proclamation, welcomes Taiwanese delegation and announces bipartisan Arizona–Taiwan caucus

Representative Tony Rivero read a legislative proclamation on the House floor declaring the Arizona Legislature’s support for strengthened relations between the United States and Taiwan and for increased Arizona–Taiwan cooperation in trade, technology and education. The proclamation, read by the clerk, cited trade figures and previous legislative resolutions and noted the creation of a joint legislative Taiwan caucus to deepen institutional ties.

Rivero introduced visiting officials from Taipei’s representation in Los Angeles, including Jason Puanma Assud, described in the reading as the new director general of Taiwan’s office in Los Angeles, along with Alan Fung and Veil Ling Chang. Rivero said the visit was “twofold”: to celebrate the relationship and to recognize the delegation, and he told members that Taiwan plans to open a consulate office in Phoenix in the coming months.

The proclamation text referenced the US–Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade and listed economic ties, noting Taiwan was Arizona’s sixth-largest export market in 2024 and referencing memoranda of understanding between Arizona and Taiwanese trade authorities. Rivero said the Legislature would pursue periodic visits, trade commissions and academic exchanges as part of the partnership.

The House welcomed the delegation without objection and entered the proclamation into the legislative record. No formal vote was required on the proclamation itself. The visit and the announcement of a bipartisan caucus set the stage for planned exchanges and a proposed regular mechanism for cooperation between state officials and Taiwanese counterparts.