The Secretary-General of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Lin Yu-chang, embarked on a journey from Taiwan on August 31, visiting cities such as Houston, New York, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. On September 8 (Sunday), he participated in the 38th-anniversary celebration of the DPP’s Western US Division in Los Angeles, representing President Lai Ching-te to thank the overseas Taiwanese community for their support of the DPP. The event, a banquet, was attended by nearly two hundred people in Rowland Heights.
Lin Yu-chang believes that Taiwan is currently on the “right” path and is at a good or perhaps the best moment in terms of social and economic development, national security, and international visibility. He emphasized, “Everyone has confidence in Taiwan.” In his first one hundred days in office, President Lai Ching-te received nearly sixty percent trust and satisfaction ratings from within the DPP and various media outlets in Taiwan, which is quite remarkable given the tough political environment.
During the presidential election in Taiwan, there were speculations of American doubts about Lai, but Lin Yu-chang stated that in reality, the US only has “trust theory.” With the US presidential election approaching, regardless of the outcome, Taiwan-US relations will remain stable. Both the Democratic and Republican parties will continue to support Taiwan because of shared values in freedom, democracy, human rights, and the common interest in achieving peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
Lin Yu-chang pointed out that the values, discourse, and propositions of the DPP align with mainstream American society and many countries worldwide. He emphasized that Taiwan is not the world’s problem; it is the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) government that poses issues.
In recent years, the CCP has seen diminishing allies globally, with ambitions extending beyond Taiwan to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet, serving as warning signs. Western countries are approaching collaborations with China more cautiously. Lin Yu-chang noted that due to Taiwan’s immigrant history, most Taiwanese are particularly conscious of impending threats. He contrasted this with the CCP’s tendency to exaggerate achievements, impacting their credibility internationally.
Lin Yu-chang’s visit aimed to express gratitude on behalf of DPP Chairman Lai Ching-te for the support from the overseas Taiwanese community and to strengthen ties between the US and Taiwan by engaging with DPP branches across the country, including Washington D.C., to enhance relations at governmental, congressional, and grassroots levels. He stressed that the current US-Taiwan relationship is at its peak and that Taiwan is eager to expand cooperation across various sectors and demographics with the United States.
In addition to meeting with Taiwanese communities and party branches, Lin Yu-chang toured two innovation centers in Houston and visited a medical center in Texas to learn about cutting-edge technologies in artificial hearts and cancer treatments. He expressed anticipation for expanding bilateral cooperation in technology, healthcare, and biotechnology, areas prioritized by President Lai Ching-te.
Yang Yue-ying, the head of the DPP Western US Division, pledged to strengthen the sense of identity among second and third-generation Taiwanese Americans towards Taiwan. The division aims to educate more Taiwanese Americans about Taiwan’s history and culture beyond superficial aspects like bubble tea or technology companies such as TSMC. Future plans include organizing youth trips to Taiwan to foster stronger connections between young Taiwanese Americans and their homeland.