By love-89.com On October 8th, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco held a National Day celebration at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Foster City, marking the 113th anniversary of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The event attracted nearly a thousand attendees, including notable political figures, community leaders, academics, and representatives from the tech and startup sectors, all coming together to honor Taiwan’s significant milestone.
Among the distinguished guests were California State Senator Dave Cortese, Nevada State Assemblyman P.K. O’Neill, Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, Santa Clara County Police Chief Bob Johnson, former California Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Denis Well, and Commander Raymond Wong from the VFW’s 91st division. Additionally, several congressional representatives sent their congratulations, including Ro Khanna, Anna G. Eshoo, and Eric Swalwell, along with Nevada’s Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony and Cupertino Mayor Sheila Mohan.
Ming-Chi Lai, the director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, underscored the critical role the United States plays in Taiwan’s international relations. He pointed out that Taiwan is the ninth largest trading partner of the U.S., while the U.S. ranks as Taiwan’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching around $128 billion in 2023. Lai described Taiwan and the U.S. as true friends who mutually support one another.
Furthermore, Lai highlighted Taiwan’s status as a reliable trading partner, particularly in providing high-quality computer chips vital for smartphones and Tesla vehicles. He acknowledged U.S. efforts to bolster Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, referencing Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell’s commentary on United Nations Resolution 2758, which omits any mention of Taiwan, while advocating for its inclusion in global discussions.
Reflecting on the historical context, Lai recalled that 113 years ago, Dr. Sun Yat-sen led a revolution that reshaped China’s narrative. Today, he noted, Taiwan stands as Asia’s first democratic republic—a beacon of hope and a model for the global Chinese community.
In his remarks, Senator Cortese emphasized that U.S.-Taiwan relations are founded on trust and cooperation, committing to strengthening these ties and fostering more opportunities for international exchange with Taiwan.
Lai shared his active involvement over the past 48 months, during which he participated in over 1,800 events and facilitated Vice President Lai Ching-te’s two transit visits through San Francisco last year. He also highlighted upcoming opportunities, such as hosting the Taiwan APEC delegation in November and signing a reciprocal driver’s license agreement with Utah. The establishment of a new office building in San Francisco, along with an invitation for the Nevada Lieutenant Governor to visit Taiwan, further showcased the accomplishments during his tenure.
This year’s National Day celebration featured performances of both the U.S. and Taiwanese national anthems, stunning ice sculptures, and a large birthday cake adorned with the flags of the United States and the Republic of China. Attendees indulged in a variety of Taiwanese delicacies at vendor booths, including fried rice, fried noodle snacks, and Taiwan Beer, all contributing to a vibrant night market atmosphere reminiscent of those found in Taiwan.