| SCON 15 IS 105th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. CON. RES. 15
Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States
support the accession of Taiwan to the World Trade Organization.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 20, 1997
Mr. TORRICELLI submitted the following concurrent
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Finance
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States
support the accession of Taiwan to the World Trade Organization.
Whereas the people of the United States and the people of
Taiwan have long enjoyed extensive ties;
Whereas Taiwan, a democracy of 21,000,000 people, is
currently the eighth largest trading partner of the United States, and United States
exports to Taiwan total more than $18,000,000,000 annually, far exceeding the
$12,000,000,000 the United States exports to the People's Republic of China;
Whereas the current administration has committed publicly
to support Taiwan's bid to join the World Trade Organization (referred to in this
resolution as the `WTO') and has declared that the United States will not oppose that bid
solely on the grounds that the People's Republic of China, which also seeks WTO
membership, is not yet eligible because of the People's Republic of China's unacceptable
trade practices;
Whereas the United States and Taiwan have concluded
discussions on virtually all outstanding trade issues necessary for Taiwan to be eligible
to join the WTO;
Whereas reversion of control over Hong Kong to Beijing,
scheduled to occur on July 1, 1997, will, in most respects, afford the People's Republic
of China WTO treatment for the bulk of its trade goods, despite the fact that the People's
Republic of China's trade practices currently fall far short of qualifying for WTO
membership;
Whereas the American people's fundamental sense of
fairness warrants support by the United States Government for Taiwan's bid for WTO
membership; and
Whereas it is in the economic interests of United States
consumers and exporters for Taiwan to accede to the WTO at the earliest possible moment:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring),
That it is the sense of Congress that negotiations between
the United States and Taiwan be concluded promptly and that the United States Government
publicly support the prompt accession of Taiwan to the WTO.
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