On October 8th, in Foster City, the Taiwan Representative Office in San Francisco held a celebratory event for the 114th National Day of the Republic of China. Nearly a thousand guests from the political, academic, and overseas Chinese communities gathered to commemorate the occasion.
The event commenced with the national anthems of the United States and the Republic of China. Newly appointed Director General Wu Chih-hsiang delivered his inaugural National Day address, expressing his honor and humility in overseeing the 114th celebration. He mentioned the warm welcome he received upon arriving in the Bay Area and pledged to further enhance bilateral relations with the governments and communities of Northern California, Nevada, and Utah.
Director General Wu highlighted the significant progress in Taiwan-US relations in political, economic, and cultural aspects. California passed resolutions supporting Taiwan’s international participation for two consecutive years, Nevada established a “Nevada Friends of Taiwan Caucus,” and Taiwan became the first foreign government to sign a driver’s license reciprocity agreement with Utah. Next year, Taiwan is expected to host joint parliamentary visits from Nevada and Utah.
In terms of economic and trade cooperation, the Representative Office actively facilitates Taiwanese investments in the U.S., recruits Silicon Valley talent, and arranges for startups to enter world-class accelerators at Stanford and UC Berkeley. Culturally, events like “Taiwan Traditional Night” and sponsorship of the San Francisco International Film Festival aim to promote Taiwanese culture to a wider American audience.
Director General Wu mentioned the introduction of the Taiwan-US Bilateral Trade Accelerated Depreciation and Relief Act and the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act, endorsed by the U.S. Congress in a show of bipartisan support for Taiwan against Chinese Communist pressure. Bilateral trade between Taiwan and the U.S. grew by 34% in 2024, reaching $150 billion, with Taiwanese investment in the U.S. also increasing to $14 billion, mainly from the semiconductor industry’s success.
Emphasizing Taiwan’s role as a crucial partner for the U.S. in AI and emerging technologies, Director General Wu predicted that cooperation between the two nations will solidify America’s leadership in the AI era and create global business opportunities for Taiwan. He expressed gratitude for America’s longstanding support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, emphasizing Taiwan’s earned respect worldwide for its values of freedom and democracy.
He paid tribute to the Taiwanese-American communities in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah for their efforts in promoting people-to-people diplomacy through professionalism, culture, and service, allowing Taiwan’s voice to resonate continuously in the U.S.
Honorary Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Congressman Eric Swalwell sent representatives to convey their sincere congratulations. Several California state senators, congressional representatives, mayors, and council members also attended, presenting certificates of congratulation. Additionally, numerous federal lawmakers, leaders from both chambers of the Nevada legislature, deputy governors, state legislators, and local officials sent letters or issued congratulatory certificates, joining in celebrating the 114th National Day of the Republic of China.
Denis Wells, former president of the California Foreign Veterans Association, extended his best wishes to the event, expressing hopes for annual reunions at such grand celebrations, on behalf of the national association’s president Carol Whitmore.
Director General Wu presented certificates of appreciation to departing Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commissioners, recognizing their efforts in advocating for overseas compatriot policies and services. Former Commissioner and current Overseas Compatriot Affairs Advisory Commissioner Lee Han-wen shared his experience of attending the National Day event for eight years, noting the improved organization of this year’s activities with dedicated seating arrangements for VIPs, seniors, and mainstream guests. He praised the abundant and delicious Taiwanese cuisine, as well as the enthusiastic atmosphere, describing this year’s event as flawless and expressing his desire for annual participation.
An anonymous attendee, whose father served as a National Assembly delegate and at the central party headquarters, expressed enduring emotional ties to Taiwan despite years of residing in America. Participating in the National Day activities each year fills them with gratitude and honor.
The event also featured several Taiwanese brand booths showcasing industrial innovations and cultural charm.
Xavier Chen, Co-founder of Tea Roaster, expressed his pride in promoting Taiwanese high-mountain tea during the National Day event, aiming to introduce more people to Taiwanese culture.
Lin Chih-hung, founder of Yu Chai Co., Ltd., showcased an automated bubble tea machine, sharing his vision to promote Taiwan’s soft power – the pearl milk tea culture – to a global audience.
Twenty-six-year-old representative from Plug & Play, Ho Sze-Chi, attended the National Day event for the first time. He highlighted the meaningful opportunities to engage with various sectors and build networks at the event.
Plug & Play, the world’s largest innovation platform, unites corporations, startups, venture capitalists, governments, and universities to drive innovation collectively.
With resounding applause and melodious music, the event concluded in a perfect harmony, with guests raising their glasses in unison, celebrating and wishing “Happy Birthday to the Republic of China!”