TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Illinois House of Representatives passed a resolution backing closer ties with Taiwan on Tuesday.

The resolution supported a “closer economic and trade partnership” between Illinois and Taiwan, including the signing of an economic and trade agreement and opening of an Illinois Office in Taiwan. It urged sending more high-level Illinois officials to visit Taiwan. 

The resolution also supported Taiwan’s participation in international organizations that impact global well-being, including the UN, the World Health Organization, and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The document opposed any attempts to distort or misuse UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to block Taiwan’s contributions to the international community.

The resolution was introduced by the co-chair of the House Taiwan Friendship Caucus, William Davis.

Taiwan’s representative in Chicago, Lei Yen-feng (類延峰), expressed gratitude for the resolution’s passage and said that Illinois is a key economic partner for Taiwan, per CNA. He highlighted growing collaboration in quantum technology, semiconductors, agriculture, and high-tech supply chains. 

The resolution reflects the strong interest of midwestern US states in deepening economic and technological ties with Taiwan, Lei added.

Illinois is the sixth midwestern state to pass a resolution supporting Taiwan this year, following Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota.