The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles (referred to as TECLA) held a celebration of the 113th National Day of the Republic of China on the evening of October 4th at the Hilton Hotel at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. The event highlighted Taiwan’s firm commitment to defending freedom and democracy, with nearly a thousand political, overseas, and academic guests in attendance.
TECLA Director Ji Qin-yao delivered a speech, emphasizing Taiwan’s crucial role in the global supply chain, producing 90% of the world’s high-end chips, supporting the development of artificial intelligence and the future of the digital economy. The 2024 Lausanne Global Competitiveness Report ranked Taiwan eighth globally, showcasing Taiwan’s economic resilience and innovative capabilities.
In recent years, Taiwan has actively sought to join international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). The 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) concluded in June this year, with Taiwan receiving unprecedented international support. In addition to 11 allied countries speaking up for the Republic of China at the assembly, countries with similar values such as the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada, a total of 16 nations, expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHO, demonstrating the international community’s trust and support for Taiwan.
Ji Qin-yao said, “We welcome and appreciate the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell for once again pointing out China’s erroneous interpretation of UN Resolution 2758 and reiterating bipartisan American support for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
At this year’s National Day celebration, TECLA colleagues, Lipeifu Kadu from the Taroko tribe in Hualien, and two children Lilian Cheng and Avery Vieten sang the National Anthem of the Republic of China, symbolizing the shared spirit of safeguarding democracy and freedom between Taiwan and the United States.
To treat the attending guests to authentic Taiwanese flavors, TECLA specially prepared stir-fried rice noodles, rice cakes, pig intestines noodles, Taiwanese-style braised snacks, paired with Taiwan beer, Starlux Airlines’ in-flight specialty drink “Blue Cosmos,” Fu Hang soy milk, Ten Ren tea, and other traditional beverages.
The distinguished guests at the event included Congresswoman Judy Chu, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Congresswoman Young Kim, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, State Assemblyman Mike Fong, as well as several elected mayors and councilors.
Consuls from friendly nations such as Consul General Manuel Ruiz Diaz of Paraguay, Consul Jose Rodriguez of Guatemala, and representatives from Saint Vincent, Marshall Islands, Switzerland, Romania, Qatar, and other consular delegations also attended. Overseas Chinese community leaders included Presidential Adviser Yang Xin, President of the San Diego Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association Lee Kin-sing, Vice Chairman of the Greater Los Angeles Taiwanese Association Cai Hancheng, as well as honorary members of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and community leaders.
In addition, over twenty political figures presented congratulatory letters, including New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, U.S. Senators and Representatives, state legislators, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.