HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 1

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2026

INTRODUCED BY

Patricia Roybal Caballero

 

 

 

 

 

A JOINT MEMORIAL

SUPPORTING THE STRENGTHENING OF RELATIONS BETWEEN TAIWAN AND THE UNITED STATES AND BETWEEN TAIWAN AND NEW MEXICO IN THE AREAS OF TRADE, TECHNOLOGY, EDUCATION, OFFICIAL EXCHANGES AND INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION.

 

     WHEREAS, Taiwan is a vibrant and trusted democracy that shares with the United States the values of freedom, human rights and the rule of law, and both sides enjoy a close partnership rooted in democratic principles and mutual respect; and

     WHEREAS, the United States and Taiwan have advanced their economic relationship, including the signing of the first agreement under the United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade on June 1, 2023, establishing high-standard commitments for future cooperation in transparent, rules-based and mutually beneficial trade; and

     WHEREAS, Taiwan is a major economic partner of the United States, ranking seventh in 2024 with two-way trade in goods reaching one hundred fifty-eight billion seven hundred million dollars ($158,700,000,000), and ranked fourth among New Mexico's export markets in 2024 with exports totaling two hundred fifty-six million dollars ($256,000,000); and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico and Taiwan have strengthened bilateral relations, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Taiwan international trade administration and the economic development department on October 5, 2021 and the opening in 2021 of a New Mexico international trade office in Taipei to support commercial exchanges, supply-chain development and business expansion; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico and Taiwan have maintained a close sister-state relationship since August 14, 1985, achieving progress in trade, technology, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges, and both sides seek to continue expanding cooperation for shared benefit; and

     WHEREAS, the federal Taiwan Travel Act, signed on March 16, 2018, enables reciprocal visits and direct dialogue between United States and Taiwanese officials at all levels, strengthening policy engagement and cooperation; and

     WHEREAS, successive United States administrations have encouraged support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in the United Nations system, including a 2021 statement by the United States secretary of state calling upon United Nations member states to support Taiwan's engagement in global institutions; and

     WHEREAS, United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, addressed the question of China's representation in the United Nations but did not determine Taiwan's status, did not endorse the "one-China principle" and did not authorize Taiwan's exclusion from United Nations agencies or other international organizations, and misinterpretations of the resolution should not be used to deny Taiwan's ability to contribute to the international community; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico legislature has consistently demonstrated bipartisan support for Taiwan's international participation, introducing multiple memorials in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025; and

     WHEREAS, Taiwan is a global leader in advanced technology, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, and the United States is prioritizing artificial intelligence innovation and global leadership under Executive Order 14179 and "Winning the Race: America's AI Action Plan", presenting strong opportunities for expanded cooperation with New Mexico in research, technology development and talent cultivation;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislature support expanding and sustaining cooperation between the United States and Taiwan and between Taiwan and New Mexico in trade, technology, education, official exchanges and participation in international organizations; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature support continued progress under the United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade, including consideration of a double taxation avoidance agreement, expanded bilateral trade initiatives and support for Taiwan's participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature support Taiwan's meaningful participation in the United Nations system and related organizations, including the world health organization, the world health assembly, the international civil aviation organization, the United Nations climate change conference and the international criminal police organization; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature oppose the misinterpretation or misuse of United Nations Resolution 2758 to exclude Taiwan from international cooperation or engagement; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Mexico's economic and trade agencies, in collaboration with institutions of higher education, be encouraged to pursue cooperative programs with Taiwan in artificial intelligence, research, technology development, workforce training, student exchange and joint innovation consistent with United States national policy; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature support establishing a mechanism for regular cooperation with Taiwan, including periodic visits by New Mexico officials and legislators, trade missions and academic exchanges, by creating the New Mexico-Taiwan friendship caucus in the legislature to facilitate the above goals; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and the members of New Mexico's congressional delegation.

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