TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Ohio established a bipartisan Taiwan Friendship Caucus on Wednesday (April 20), becoming the seventh state to do so after Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Indiana.
The caucus was founded by nine state senators and state representatives and is co-chaired by Tim Ginter, along with Nickie Antonio, George Lang, and Michael O'Brien, CNA reported. The Ohio State Senate passed a resolution on the same day recognizing the new caucus.
To mark the occasion, the caucus held a press conference at the Utah State Legislature, where members affirmed the group will assist Taiwan and the U.S. in safeguarding democracy, freedom, and other shared values and interests.
Taiwan’s de-facto ambassador to the U.S., Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), was also present. She said the caucus demonstrates the link of friendship between Ohio and Taiwan.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has profound implications for Taiwan and the international community, she said. Countries with similar ideals of freedom and democracy, like Taiwan and the U.S., must unite and collaborate to curb the threat of authoritarianism to world peace and prosperity, she added.
Steve Chabot, a long time supporter of Taiwan who represents Ohio's 1st Congressional District, was also at the press conference and called on the U.S. and Taiwan to negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA) in the near future. Chabot also expressed his support for Taiwan's inclusion in the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
