Taiwan’s Taichung Mayor Lu Xiuyan led a visiting delegation to New York on the 14th. They first visited the New York Chinese Community Center with a century-long history, interacting with overseas Chinese community members. Later, they went to the Chinese section of the Chinatown to pay respects to the statue of the founding father, Sun Yat-sen, at Zhongshan Square. That evening, a grand welcome banquet with nearly 500 guests from the overseas Chinese community was held in Flushing, New York.
During her visit, Lu Xiuyan emphasized three main missions, highlighting the collaboration between overseas compatriots and the founding father Sun Yat-sen in upholding and safeguarding the Republic of China, stressing the need for Taiwan to broaden international friendships to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Accompanied by Lee Zhiqiang, director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, Lu Xiuyan first visited the New York Chinese Community Center, founded in 1883. Chairperson Wu Rui-xian introduced Mayor Lu Xiuyan to the plethora of historical photos and artifacts preserved in the center. These precious materials document the significant development of the Chinese community in New York, including the receptions of dignitaries and major historical events hosted by the community leaders.
Wu Rui-xian mentioned that the Chinese Community Center, with 143 years of history, is one of the most representative overseas Chinese organizations. He reminisced that former President Ma Ying-jeou had visited the center several times in the past, including being received by him as chairperson during Ma’s visit as the Mayor of Taipei in 2006.
He noted that he has served as the chairman of the Chinese Community Center for the fourth time, dedicating his life to serving the overseas Chinese community. Moved by the sight of the flag of the Republic of China displayed in the center, he expressed that it is the most beautiful flag.
In her speech, Lu Xiuyan expressed her longstanding admiration for the history and influence of the New York Chinese Community Center, orchestrating this visit with special arrangements. She highlighted how the center has long been considered one of the most steadfast bases of support for the Republic of China overseas.
She recalled history, illustrating how the revolutionary efforts of the founding father, Sun Yat-sen, faced numerous challenges, leading him to seek support overseas. Lu Xiuyan underscored the significance of democratic values and freedom as the core values that need to be continuously safeguarded within the Republic of China.
After the discussion, Lu Xiuyan, Wu Rui-xian, Lee Zhiqiang, and numerous overseas Chinese community leaders proceeded to Columbus Park at Zhongshan Square, where they laid flowers and paid respects to the statue of Sun Yat-sen, acknowledging his historical contributions to the founding of the Republic of China.
On Saturday evening, the New York overseas Chinese community organized a grand welcome banquet in Flushing, where about 500 representatives from community organizations, academia, and the business sector gathered. Before the banquet, Lu Xiuyan held a press conference to explain the purpose of her visit to the United States and address questions regarding Taiwan-US relations, cross-strait tensions, and economic and trade issues. She emphasized the need to foster goodwill internationally for Taiwan’s security and development amidst changing global dynamics. Regarding cross-strait relations, she stressed the importance of mutual goodwill and restraint in both rhetoric and military actions to achieve mutual benefits and prosperity.
In her address during the banquet, Lu Xiuyan outlined the three main purposes of her visit to the United States: deepening sister city exchanges, expressing gratitude and care for overseas compatriots, and strengthening Taiwan-US friendship. She stated, “Without the founding father and overseas compatriots, there would be no Republic of China today.”
Introducing the city’s development and industrial strength of Taichung in her speech, Lu Xiuyan highlighted its significance as a key hub for technology and manufacturing in Taiwan, with complete industry chains in semiconductors, precision machinery, optics, bicycles, and aerospace industries.
Taichung is also noted as one of the birthplaces of bubble milk tea, which has now become popular worldwide. Lu Xiuyan chuckled, mentioning the abundance of bubble milk tea shops in New York streets, making her feel particularly at home. She also pointed out the mutual love for baseball shared between Taichung and New York, underscoring cultural connections between the two regions.
Expressing gratitude to the overseas Chinese community, Lu Xiuyan expressed her hopes of deepening exchanges and cooperation between Taichung and American cities through this visit. She aimed to further promote Taiwan-US friendship and extended blessings to the compatriots present.
Qiao Yuemei, a member of the Overseas Compatriots Affairs Council, praised Mayor Lu Xiuyan’s governance in Taichung, stating that this visit allowed compatriots to better understand the city’s governance philosophy and urban development vision, showcasing the overseas community’s care and support for Taiwan.
Community leader Yu Jinshan, originally from Taichung, shared his sentiment of welcoming Mayor Lu Xiuyan to New York, expressing a mix of joy and nostalgia at the sight of his hometown mayor in the city. He expressed anticipation for Taiwan’s continued stable development, acknowledging Lu Xiuyan’s importance in Taiwan’s political landscape.
The welcoming banquet that evening was hosted by Sun Yunti, a member of the New York Long Island branch of the Nationalist Party, with Lu Xiuyan personally toasting guests at each table. It is understood that Lu Xiuyan will travel to Washington D.C. next week for discussions with American officials.