San Francisco Double Ten Celebration Reception Thousands of People Attended Director of the Department of Classics- Taiwan-US relations are at their best in the past 45 years

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On October 8, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco held an impressive National Day celebration at the Crowne Plaza in Foster City, which drew over a thousand attendees, including notable political figures, community leaders, and representatives from academia and the tech sector. This event commemorated the 113th anniversary of the Republic of China in a grand fashion.

Participants were treated to a lively program that featured the national anthems of both the United States and Taiwan, complemented by a striking display of a birthday cake decorated with the Republic of China’s flag. Among the prominent figures present were California State Senator Dave Cortese, Nevada State Assemblyman P.K. O’Neill, Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, Santa Clara County Police Chief Bob Johnson, and Denis Well, the former California Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The evening also included appearances by several distinguished representatives who presented congratulatory letters, such as U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna, Anna G. Eshoo, and Eric Swalwell, along with Nevada’s Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony and Cupertino Mayor Sheila Mohan.

Ming-Chi Lai, the Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, underscored the significance of U.S.-Taiwan relations in his speech. He highlighted Taiwan as the ninth-largest trading partner for the U.S., which in turn ranks as Taiwan’s second-largest partner, noting an estimated trade volume of $128 billion in 2023. “Taiwan and the U.S. are true friends, helping and supporting each other,” he remarked, emphasizing Taiwan’s vital role as a dependable supplier of high-quality computer chips essential for devices like smartphones and Teslas.

Lai also touched upon U.S. support for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations, referencing remarks from Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell regarding Taiwan’s absence from United Nations Resolution 2758. He expressed optimism that U.S.-Taiwan relations are currently better than they have been in the past 45 years.

In a reflection on Taiwan’s historical journey, Lai spoke of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China, reaffirming Taiwan’s status as Asia’s first democratic republic, a symbol of hope, and a model for the global Chinese community.

Senator Cortese shared similar views during his address, stressing that the U.S.-Taiwan relationship is founded on trust and collaboration. He pledged to continue creating opportunities for Taiwan to participate in international exchanges.

Over the last 48 months, Lai has been actively engaged in over 1,800 events, including two visits from Vice President Lai Ching-te to San Francisco, and he hosted the Taiwan APEC delegation in November. He also played a key role in facilitating a driver’s license exchange agreement between Taiwan and Utah last May, as well as overseeing the acquisition of a new office building for the Taipei Office the previous April.

The celebration was not just about speeches; it also featured exciting attractions like ice sculptures and a massive birthday cake showcasing both the U.S. and Republic of China flags. Outside, Taiwanese vendors offered a taste of home with delicious dishes such as fried rice and fried vermicelli, along with Taiwan beer, creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of a Taiwanese night market for the esteemed guests.