Colorado Senate adopts resolution reaffirming sister-state ties with Taiwan

The Colorado Senate on April 6 adopted Senate Joint Resolution 19, which celebrates the state’s 43-year sister-state relationship with Taiwan and reaffirms support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. Senator Frizzell moved the resolution and introduced Director General Debbie Huang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver and Elsa Lin from the consular office; the resolution passed by voice vote (35 ayes, 0 no).

Senator Frizzell framed the measure as recognition of “43 years of economic and educational cooperation,” saying the partnership has been “incredibly important in Colorado to agricultural industry and our technology industries.” The resolution text cited a November 2024 trade-and-investment delegation led by Lieutenant Governor Diane Primavera and a February 3, 2026 memorandum of understanding between Governor Jared Polis and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to pursue cooperation on emerging technologies including quantum, photonics, precision agriculture and semiconductors.

The resolution also highlights bilateral trade—citing 2024 data in the text—and references recent agricultural letters of intent for U.S. corn and soybean purchases. It calls on the General Assembly to support expanded trade and academic exchanges and to urge Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations “that are significant to the health, safety, and well-being of all people.” Senator Frizzell invited the chamber to welcome the Taipei delegation, which was introduced but did not give remarks during floor consideration.

The resolution passed without recorded dissent. The Senate ordered copies of the joint resolution be sent to Taiwanese officials named in the text. The adoption came during a short period in which the Senate proceeded out of order to consider resolutions at Majority Leader Rodriguez’s request.