Hawaii House Bill HR69

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/30/23
• Passed: 3/30/23

Caption

Urging The United States To Support Taiwan's Participation In International Organizations, Including The World Health Organization, International Criminal Police Organization, United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change, And International Civil Aviation Organization And Urging International Organizations To Grant Taiwan Membership, Observer, Or Other Appropriate Status.

Impact

The resolution is significant as it reflects Hawaii's long-standing sister-state relationship with Taiwan, established in 1993. It recognizes Taiwan's robust economy, which ranks as the twenty-first largest globally, and its ongoing efforts to engage with international entities. The resolution asserts that Taiwan's exclusion from certain international organizations, notably the WHO and INTERPOL, limits its ability to contribute to global health and law enforcement efforts, which has implications for international security and public health.

Summary

House Resolution 69 (HR69) urges the United States to advocate for Taiwan's inclusion in various key international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The resolution highlights Taiwan's democratic values and its shared commitment to human rights and the rule of law, positing that Taiwan's participation in these organizations is essential for both regional stability and global cooperation.

Contention

While the resolution is largely supportive of Taiwan's global engagement, it potentially raises contention regarding U.S.-China relations, as Taiwan's participation in international organizations is viewed differently by the Chinese government, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory. Some critics may argue that such a resolution could escalate tensions between the U.S. and China, as it advocates for Taiwan's recognition in spaces where China has opposing views. Thus, the resolution underscores the delicate geopolitical balance that exists around Taiwan's international standing.