Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the International Relations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate honors 10-year Utah–Liaoning legislative relationship and hosts Liaoning delegation
Summary
The Utah Senate unanimously passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 17 recognizing a decade of exchanges with Liaoning province, China, and heard remarks from Liaoning officials in a Committee of the Whole. Lawmakers highlighted student exchanges, dual-language immersion and trade ties.
The Utah Senate on Day 31 approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 17, marking 10 years of legislative exchanges with Liaoning province, China, and received a visiting Liaoning delegation in a Committee of the Whole.
President Wayne Niederhauser introduced the resolution, recounting a 2006 agreement that established formal legislative exchanges and noting a renewal of activity after delegations met again in 2013. Niederhauser said the relationship has produced measurable cooperation in commerce, science, education and cultural exchange and praised subnational ties as “less political and more substantive” for mutual benefit.
Several senators highlighted education outcomes linked to the partnership. One senator noted dual-language immersion gains and student exchanges; another mentioned Utah students and officials who have visited Liaoning on past delegations. The resolution specifically expresses appreciation to Liaoning leaders and encourages continued partnership in tourism, trade, science and legislative exchange.
Under a motion to suspend the rules, the Senate considered SCR 17 for immediate final passage; the Senate recorded 29 yay votes, 0 nays, 0 absent and passed the measure, which will be transmitted to the House. Following the vote, senators resolved into a Committee of the Whole to hear Chairman Tong, vice chairman of the Liaoning Provincial People’s Congress.
Chairman Tong thanked Utah officials, outlined the history of exchanges (delegations in 2006, 2010 and 2013) and urged expanded cooperation in education, tourism, freight and culture. Utah senators and guests welcomed the delegation and emphasized ongoing people‑to‑people links, including Mandarin dual‑immersion programs and student connections.
After the Liaoning delegation’s remarks, the Committee of the Whole was dissolved and the Senate returned to its regular calendar. The resolution and the delegation’s visit follow a pattern of subnational engagement Utah leaders said complements national diplomacy by fostering practical exchanges between legislatures and communities.
