On the morning of August 17th, a group of Taiwanese volunteers gathered at the Santa Monica Pier, a popular tourist destination in Los Angeles. They enthusiastically introduced Taiwan to local residents and international tourists, advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations to make it a unique feature of the Santa Monica beach scenery.
Around 9:30 am, approximately 50 Taiwanese Americans engaged with tourists at the Santa Monica Pier, sharing about Taiwan’s culture, landscapes, and history. They distributed cute tattoos of Taiwan’s mascot, the “Fu Sha Ah Bear,” designed by the Overseas Community Affairs Council, to raise awareness and support for Taiwan’s participation in the UN. Their warm smiles attracted passersby, leaving a lasting impression on international visitors through Taiwan’s soft power.
One tourist remarked, “Today’s event has deepened my understanding of Taiwan. I believe Taiwan deserves a place in the United Nations, as international recognition is crucial for the Taiwanese people.” Another traveler shared memories of visiting Taiwan during their student days, praising the country’s beautiful scenery, cuisine, and hospitality. They expressed a desire to return with their family and continue supporting Taiwan.
Sarah Martin, a senior assistant to California Congressman Brad Sherman, represented Sherman at the event. She presented community service appreciation certificates to the organizers of the “Support Taiwan’s UN Membership” event at the Santa Monica Pier, including Jennifer Wen, the chief convener, and the two secretaries-general, Hsien-Chun Lee and Yi-Ling Pan from the Los Angeles chapter of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA).
Jennifer Wen emphasized Taiwan’s longstanding contributions in various fields globally, such as medical aid, technological innovation, and cultural exchange, showcasing its capabilities and sense of responsibility. Despite Taiwan’s current non-membership status in the UN, the volunteer participants believe that through such activities, international understanding and support for Taiwan will continue to grow, eventually leading to breakthroughs in Taiwan’s international standing.
The event not only aimed to introduce Taiwan to international friends but also served as a platform to promote understanding and cooperation, urging more individuals to pay attention to Taiwan and support its UN participation. Five upcoming events have been scheduled as follows:
– August 24th at 10:30 am at the Huntington Library
– August 25th at 2:00 pm at Universal Studios Hollywood
– August 31st at 2:00 pm on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills
– September 8th at 6:00 pm at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles
– September 15th at 2:00 pm at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood
The organizers invite active participation from the Taiwanese community in Los Angeles to join in showcasing Taiwan to the world, rallying global support for Taiwan’s rightful international participation rights.
The August 17th event saw enthusiastic participation from volunteer compatriots and was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including Presidential Advisor Tien Yi-hung, Deputy Director Chang Cheng-yu, Deputy Consul Fang Chung-yu from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, Min-Yeung Chen, Director of the Los Angeles Chinese American Education Center, Assistant Director Fang Chiung-yi, Overseas Community Affairs Council members Kuo-Yen Lin and Ya-Wei Liu, Yilan Yeh, President of the Taiwanese-American Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles, and Li-Chuan Chou, President of the “Song of Taiwan” organization.