On Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, where you can usually spot costumed characters like Mickey Mouse and Spider-Man, on Sunday, September 15, a group of Taiwanese people were seen distributing “Formosan Bear” stickers outside the Dolby Theater, introducing Taiwan to visitors from around the world and showing support for Taiwan’s participation in the United Nations.
Under the call of President Tsai Ing-wen’s national policy advisor, Tien Tui-hung, Overseas Community Affairs Council member Wen Yu-ling, and Lin Kuo-yen, the Taiwanese community in Los Angeles conducted a series of activities from August to September at various tourist spots in Los Angeles to increase local awareness of Taiwan and draw attention to Taiwan’s participation in the UN.
Following events at Santa Monica Pier, Huntington Library, Universal Studios Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, and Griffith Observatory, around 200 Taiwanese expatriates in Los Angeles once again visited prominent locations over the weekend to highlight Taiwan’s significance in the world.
The organizer of this Hollywood Walk of Fame event, J.J. Ran, prepared “Made in Taiwan” mini cream puffs to share with visitors and attached a handmade QR code with information about Taiwan on the cookie box, making it easier for people to learn about Taiwan and show support for its UN membership.
The community’s promotional activities were met with cheers from visitors of various ethnicities. An action artist on the Walk of Fame shouted, “I love Taiwan! I’ve been there for travel.” Some people told reporters that they hadn’t been to Taiwan but loved bubble tea and Din Tai Fung, showing concern for the tensions in the Taiwan Strait and expressing belief in “God bless Taiwan.”
Supported by Overseas Community Affairs Advisory Commission members Liu Huan-jun, Pan Yiling, Fu Zhoushan, Liu Yawei, Chen Siping, J.J. Ran, President of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs Los Angeles Chapter Lee Hsien-chun, President of the Los Angeles-Taiwan Chamber of Commerce Yeh Yi-lan, President of the Los Angeles Northwest Taiwan Association Song Yixin, and President of the North America Taiwanese Women’s Association Southern California Branch Huang Xinyao, the activities successfully promoted Taiwan’s “soft power” to the people and visitors of Los Angeles, showcasing the passion and friendliness of the Taiwanese people and drawing international attention to Taiwan’s basic right of 23.5 million people participating in international organizations.
This series of events not only demonstrated the unity of the Taiwanese community in Los Angeles and their efforts to promote international participation but also effectively increased the local residents’ and international visitors’ awareness and support for Taiwan’s participation in global issues. Advisers to the Executive Yuan Xu Xinhong and Wu Zhaofeng, Overseas Community Affairs Council members Chen Baiyu and Wang Meifeng, Deputy Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles Zhang Zhengyu, Political Division Chief Fang Chongyu, Deputy Consul Tseng Yu-Chi, Military Attaché Lin Chia-hao, Director of the Taiwan Academy Jian Deyuan, Security Division Chief Hsu Wei-fang, Economic Division Chief Liu Lun-cheng, President of Songs of Taiwan Chou Li-chuan, Director of the Los Angeles Education Center Chen Min-yung, Deputy Director Zheng Hsin-ju, and Fang Tsun-yi also attended various events to show their support for Taiwan through action. ◇