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Oregon Senate adopts resolution reaffirming ties with China, cites trade and cultural exchange
Summary
The Oregon Senate on May 7 adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 32, endorsing continued sister‑state and trade ties with the People’s Republic of China and urging support for subnational economic and cultural links.
The Oregon State Senate on May 7 adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 32, reaffirming the state’s commitment to strengthening trade, cultural and educational ties with the People’s Republic of China and supporting the work of the Oregon China Council and the Oregon China sister state committee.
The resolution cites Oregon’s 41‑year sister‑state relationship with Fujian province, an 11‑year relationship with Tianjin municipality, and notes that China was Oregon’s second‑largest export market in 2024, with exports approaching $6,000,000,000 and supporting “more than 35,000 high‑paying jobs” in the state.
Senate President Rob Wagner and other supporters said the resolution is meant to sustain export opportunities and people‑to‑people exchanges. "It is in our state's interest to strengthen the ties between our two countries," Wagner said during debate, noting planned meetings of the Oregon China Sister State Committee and an anticipated delegation visit. Senator Lou Frederic, who spoke for the resolution, described long‑standing cultural links and exchanged programs such as the sister‑park partnership between Crater Lake National Park and the Wuyi National Scenic Area in China.
Supporters said the resolution would encourage continued visits by state officials and promote trade office efforts overseas. Opponents registered concerns during the record; one senator later filed a formal explanation expressing reservations about celebrating climate collaboration with China because of rising electric rates and the political sensitivity of energy policy.
The measure passed and was declared adopted after the presiding officer announced it had "received a constitutional majority"; the Senate journal records the motion and roll call. The resolution directs that a copy be sent to the embassy and consulate of the People’s Republic of China.
Key details cited in the resolution include the role of the Port of Portland and the international port of Coos Bay as Oregon’s international shipping ports and federally approved foreign trade zones, and the resolution highlights trade, education, tourism and clean‑technology cooperation as areas for expanded engagement.
