TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Rhode Island General Assembly on Tuesday passed a pro-Taiwan resolution and displayed the Taiwan flag in the legislative chamber. 

The Rhode Island Senate and House of Representatives each unanimously passed resolutions congratulating President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) as they enter their second year in office, per CNA. The resolutions lauded the “vibrancy of Taiwan's democracy” and expressed support for a US-Taiwan agreement to avoid double taxation, aiming to strengthen close economic and trade ties.

The resolution stresses Washington's Taiwan policy is grounded in the Taiwan Relations Act, not UN Resolution 2758, and reiterates support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international bodies. The measures were introduced by Senate President Valarie Lawson and House Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy.

To demonstrate firm support for Taiwan, the House chamber displayed the Taiwan flag. Members of the Taiwanese community were also present, performing the national anthems of both countries.

Taiwan’s representative in Boston, Charles Liao (廖朝宏), attended the event and remarked that Taiwan’s relationship with Rhode Island is built upon shared democratic values. He emphasized that this common belief forms the foundation for bilateral cooperation and encouraged joint efforts to face global challenges.

Liao thanked the legislature for passing the resolutions, saying that they hold great significance for the people of Taiwan. He said they not only reflect support for Taiwan’s democracy but also bolster the confidence and courage of the Taiwanese to uphold their hard-won freedom and democratic system.