Celebrating the sister-state relationship with Taiwan.
Summary
SCR602 is a concurrent resolution celebrating South Dakota’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan and reaffirming support for expanded economic, educational, and diplomatic ties. The resolution notes that South Dakota and Taiwan have maintained this relationship since 1984 and highlights recent exchanges, including a 2024 trade delegation led by the lieutenant governor and an academic cooperation agreement between South Dakota State University and National Chung Hsing University.
The resolution also expresses support for Taiwan’s participation in international and regional economic frameworks, including the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, and endorses efforts toward a bilateral agreement to avoid double taxation between the United States and Taiwan. In addition, it commends Taiwan’s democracy and frames Taiwan as a sovereign state, while rejecting the People’s Republic of China’s “One China Principle” as baseless.
Impact
SCR602 does not amend South Dakota statutes or create enforceable state law; it is a nonbinding legislative statement of policy and support. Its practical effect is to signal the Legislature’s backing for trade promotion, academic exchange, and closer state-to-Taiwan relations, and to encourage federal and international engagement on taxation, trade, and Taiwan’s participation in multilateral organizations.
Sentiment
The resolution appears to have been strongly favorable and largely uncontroversial. It passed the Senate 35-0 and the House 69-0, indicating unanimous support in both chambers. The language of the resolution is affirmative and celebratory, emphasizing shared democratic values, economic opportunity, and educational collaboration.
Contention
There is little evidence of internal legislative contention in the available record, since no committee transcripts are provided and the votes were unanimous. The only potentially sensitive point is the resolution’s explicit statement that Taiwan is a sovereign state and its rejection of the PRC’s “One China Principle,” which could be diplomatically significant. Otherwise, the measure focuses on trade, academic cooperation, and international recognition issues that were supported without recorded opposition.