The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York hosted a grand National Day reception for the Republic of China’s 113th anniversary at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on October 3. Approximately 500 guests from the political, academic, and overseas Chinese communities attended the event. Many officials were present at the venue to present congratulatory messages and well wishes. The event was visually enhanced by a centerpiece ice sculpture of the double tenth celebration, exuding elegance and beauty. In unison, all the guests at the event expressed their warm wishes by saying “Happy Birthday to the Republic of China (Taiwan),” creating a lively atmosphere.
During his speech, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, Lee Chih-chiang, mentioned that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. He expressed gratitude to the United States government for its continued bipartisan support for Taiwan. President Biden, in his speech at the UN General Assembly last week, reiterated the importance and commitment to peace in the Taiwan Strait. He also highlighted the 16 instances of arms sales to Taiwan since taking office, demonstrating the normalization of arms sales to Taiwan, which helps Taiwan cope with the increasing threats from China. Ambassador Lee further indicated that the “US-Taiwan 21st Century Trade Initiative” and the “US-Taiwan Double Taxation Relief Act,” passed by the House of Representatives, represent a new milestone in bilateral economic and trade cooperation. He hopes that Taiwan and the United States will continue to deepen their partnership and explore more areas of cooperation in the future.
In his address, President of the New York Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Zhu Chaoran, mentioned that just months before the 1911 Xinhai Revolution, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father, visited the New York Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and delivered a speech. He emphasized the need to eliminate the entrenched problems in China and to build a republic where every individual can enjoy freedom and happiness. The benevolent association firmly supports freedom and is pleased to see Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles of the People embodied in the Republic of China, with Taiwan’s democratic achievements today making compatriots at home and abroad proud.
During his address, Chairman of the New York Taiwan Center, Su Chun-huai, praised the new Taiwanese government for never forgetting to care for overseas compatriots. The New York Taiwan Center, established with self-funding from Taiwanese in the United States, serves as the first community center and a home for Taiwanese people in New York. In the future, compatriots in the greater New York area will work together to support Taiwan, serving as a solid backing for the country overseas and joining hands to defend Taiwan’s democracy, freedom, rule of law, and human rights.
Over a dozen state and city officials in attendance emphasized the strong partnership between Taiwan and the United States, expressing their commitment to further deepen relations between their respective states or cities and Taiwan, while congratulating the Republic of China for its prosperity.
Additionally, the Commissioner of Empire State Development, Hope Knight, State Senators Brian Kavanagh and Gustavo Rivera, along with City Council Member Gale Brewer personally attended the reception to extend birthday wishes to the Republic of China (Taiwan). House Democratic Caucus Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York State Assemblyman Lester Chang designated representatives to deliver congratulatory messages. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed resolutions for two consecutive years designating October 10 as the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to express congratulations.
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