In the crisp autumn month of October, next to Hollywood’s Universal Studios in Los Angeles, the red and blue colors of the Republic of China flag were waving in the breeze, creating a strong atmosphere of the Double Ten National Day celebration for Southern California. On the evening of October 9th (Friday), the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles held the 115th National Day reception at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, where about 800 U.S. federal congress members, local government officials, diplomats from various countries stationed in Los Angeles, and representatives from the overseas Taiwanese community gathered to celebrate, demonstrating the deepening Taiwan-U.S. relations and international support for Taiwan.
Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, Ma Bo-yuan, mentioned that this year marks both the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first presidential direct election. Despite the different historical contexts between the two regions, they share the democratic belief that “people have the right to determine their own future.” Ma emphasized that the strong bond between Taiwan, the United States, and international friends has transcended traditional diplomatic frameworks through professionals, tourism, academic, and artistic exchanges, forging increasingly tight connections. During the wildfires in Los Angeles last year, Taiwanese and overseas compatriots extended immediate support to frontline firefighters and affected families, showcasing Taiwan’s resilient, generous, and helpful spirit.
Ma Bo-yuan expressed that although the guests at the event came from diverse backgrounds, they all belonged to the “Team Taiwan,” working together for freedom, peace, and the next generation. He humorously expressed support for the local team by shouting “Go Dodgers,” showcasing the friendly spirit of integrating into American culture and building connections with the community.
Several prominent U.S. politicians present at the event praised the outstanding contributions of Taiwanese Americans to the local community and underscored the importance of deepening Taiwan-U.S. relations:
Congresswoman Judy Chu congratulated on the Double Ten National Day and highlighted Taiwan’s development as a significant economic power and democratic model in Asia. She mentioned that Taiwan-U.S. trade has created numerous job opportunities in California and vowed to actively promote a Taiwan-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the future, prioritizing the reduction of double taxation burden on Taiwanese and American businessmen.
Congresswoman Young Kim, attending as the Chair of the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized the crucial importance of Taiwan Strait security and called for the U.S. Congress to continuously provide Taiwan with the necessary tools for self-defense. Kim explicitly stated, “The U.S. commitment to Taiwan is not only in response to security threats but also because Taiwan can make tremendous contributions to the Taiwan-U.S. relationship, and both the U.S. and myself will continue to firmly support Taiwan.”
California Assemblyman Mike Fong mentioned that trade between Taiwan and California reached $77 billion last year, playing a vital role in California’s economic development. He is currently pushing for Assembly Bill 1354 (AB1354) in California, aiming to incorporate the historical contributions of Taiwanese and Asian Americans into the curriculum of California elementary and secondary schools to educate the next generation about this history.
In addition to the positive affirmations from federal and state officials, local governments and diplomatic envoys also demonstrated strong affection towards Taiwan.
Acting Mayor Peggy Huang of Yorba Linda proudly identified with her Taiwanese heritage and announced her chairmanship of the newly formed “Taiwan Friendship Alliance,” aiming to vigorously promote deepened cooperation between Southern California’s local governments, businesses, and Taiwan in commercial, cultural, and democratic values.
Councilmember Melinda Liu from Irvine, Mayor Jordan Wu of Villa Park, and several other Taiwanese-American elected officials also attended the Double Ten celebration.
Consul General of Paraguay Carina Daher stated that the friendship between Taiwan and Paraguay is built on mutual respect. Both sides are continuously promoting exchanges in youth internships, technology, manufacturing, orchid industry, and other fields, hoping to sustain and strengthen the profound partnership between Taiwan and Paraguay amidst international environmental changes.
The evening reception kicked off with a performance by the “Nin Yi Hall” Rui Lion Dancing Troupe from the Longgang Charity Temple in Los Angeles, followed by opera singer Lin Sheng-feng leading the singing of the National Anthem of the Republic of China, with Taiwanese music designer Qiu Jie-wei handling the new arrangement and live performance. A unique outdoor “Taiwanese Food Zone” was set up for the first time at the event, featuring the Twenty-four Solar Terms Beer “Autumn Equinox” brewed by the Taiwanese brand “Beerhead” and the Taiwanese-operated Zero Gravitea salted crispy chicken food truck, allowing guests to experience Taiwanese food culture.
Attendees included Executive Officer Edward Yen from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Consul General Yvette Karen Gentle of Belize, Consul General Patricia Nineth Santizo Estrada de Calderón of Guatemala, as well as diplomatic representatives from India, Czech Republic, Lithuania, and other countries, along with leaders from the Los Angeles Chinese Friendship Association and the Board of Directors of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Greater Los Angeles, among others.