After more than three years of deep cultivation in the frontline of overseas Chinese communities in Southern California and Taiwan-US trade and economic exchanges, Jilin Yao, the director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, is about to take on a new and important role – as the Ambassador of the Republic of China to Belize.
This is not just a promotion, but also a “return of the veteran”. Faced with the pressure of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) trying to penetrate in the Latin American region, how will Jilin Yao utilize the abundant resources in Los Angeles to reinforce the solid friendship that spans 37 years?
Speaking about his upcoming new position, Jilin Yao’s tone is filled with deep emotions and a sense of mission. “This will be my third assignment to Belize,” he said with a smile. From being a third secretary, a first secretary in his early years, to now being appointed as the fully-empowered ambassador, his familiarity with this Central American ally is unparalleled.
“Belize is an extremely loyal partner among our 12 diplomatic allies. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1989, regardless of the changing international situation, they have consistently spoken up for Taiwan on various occasions,” Jilin Yao emphasized. He stressed that this friendship has not come easily, and in the face of continued pressures from the CCP, he feels a heavy responsibility to wholeheartedly fulfill the mission of safeguarding this friendship.
Regarding the diplomatic competition from the CCP, Jilin Yao has shown a pragmatic and confident attitude. He emphasized that Taiwan will not engage in a competition of money diplomacy, but rather consolidate the relationship through three main aspects:
1. Diplomacy of values: Taiwan and Belize share universal values of democracy and freedom, which is the core connection between them.
2. Honorable State Project: Leveraging Taiwan’s strong economic prowess to provide substantial assistance in agriculture, healthcare, and education sectors.
3. Industry cooperation: By offering technological know-how and talent training, assisting in Belize’s national development, making them feel that “Taiwan is truly a good friend that can help in their growth”.
Having served in Los Angeles for over three years, Jilin Yao is deeply impressed by the energy of the 400,000 Taiwanese-Americans in Southern California. He believes that the experiences of these three years will serve as a strong backing for his diplomatic assignment to Belize.
“Southern California has many successful entrepreneurs and professionals. If they are interested in expanding into the Central and South American markets, the government can play a role as a ‘bridge’,” he mentioned, hoping to facilitate collaboration between the Taiwanese community in Los Angeles and Belize in areas such as supply chain integration, agricultural processing, renewable energy, and more. This will not only aid the development of friendly nations but also create new business opportunities for Taiwanese entrepreneurs, forming a win-win “virtuous cycle”.
Reflecting on the past three years, Jilin Yao has many sentiments. He particularly highlighted Taiwan’s brilliant achievements in 2025, with an economic growth rate of 8.6% and a per capita GDP close to USD 40,000, stating, “This is not by chance, but the result of the joint efforts of people at home and abroad, and Taiwanese businessmen.”
During his tenure in Los Angeles, he focused on three major work areas:
– Deepening services: Excelling in consular services in the largest overseas Chinese community in the world.
– High-level engagements: Successfully inviting governors and state legislators from Arizona, New Mexico, and California to visit Taiwan.
– Technology investments: Promoting semiconductor investments and technology park projects in Arizona, deepening substantive Taiwan-US relations.
Facing his imminent departure, the thing Jilin Yao most wants to express is “gratitude”. He expressed his thanks to the fellow Southern Californians for their support over the past three years, and hoped that everyone could continue this enthusiasm for the incoming Director Ma.
“Taiwan faces many challenges internationally, we must be self-reliant and resilient, and more importantly, we must unite,” Jilin Yao firmly stated. Whether in the global hub of Los Angeles or in the Caribbean nation of Belize, he will carry this unity forward, continuing to work towards the future of the Republic of China (Taiwan) with this unified strength. ◇