WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Oct. 7, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) hosted a reception at the historic Twin Oaks estate to celebrate the 115th National Day of Taiwan (known formally as the Republic of China). The event brought together more than 1,000 diplomats, U.S. officials, lawmakers, and community leaders to highlight Taiwan’s democratic achievements, security concerns, and growing partnership with Washington.

The celebration came amid continued military pressure from Beijing and renewed scrutiny of U.S.-Taiwan relations following U.S. President Donald Trump’s September meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Taiwan’s representative to the United States, Alexander Yui (俞大㵢), expressed confidence that Washington’s longstanding position toward Taiwan remained unchanged, despite concerns over the potential impact of U.S.-China negotiations on American arms sales to the self-ruling island.

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Referring to the Trump-Xi summit, Yui said the United States had maintained a consistent position on Taiwan. He also emphasized that Taiwan’s relationship with Washington remained strong and continued to develop despite Beijing’s efforts to pressure other countries into adopting its “one China” principle.

Democracy and deterrence take center stage

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In his address, Yui noted that 2026 marks two significant milestones: The 250th anniversary of American independence and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election in 1996. Both democracies are also holding elections this year, with Americans voting in midterm elections in November and Taiwanese voters selecting local government officials.

The event, held on Oct. 8, 2026, brought together more than 1,000 diplomats, U.S. officials, lawmakers, and community leaders to highlight Taiwan’s democratic achievements, security concerns, and growing partnership with Washington. Pictured: Taiwan’s representative to the United States gives his remarks. (Image: Vision Times Staff)

Yui argued that the democratic process distinguishing Taiwan and the United States also challenges authoritarian governments that lack comparable electoral accountability. “And this celebration of democracy is also what makes us like-minded as partners,” he said, adding that democratic elections pose a threat to the legitimacy of certain totalitarian regimes.

Turning to regional security, Yui defended Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its military capabilities, rejecting suggestions that increased defense spending contributes to instability. “We’re not the aggressors,” he said, emphasizing that Taiwan’s military investments are intended to deter potential attacks rather than provoke conflict or instability.

The event, held on Oct. 8, 2026, brought together more than 1,000 diplomats, U.S. officials, lawmakers, and community leaders to highlight Taiwan’s democratic achievements, security concerns, and growing partnership with Washington. Pictured: William Brent Christensen (left), former Director of the American Institute in Taiwan, Amb. Yui, and his wife Karen Low. (Image: Vision Times Staff)

Under President Lai Ching-te’s defense objectives, Taiwan aims to increase military spending to 3 percent of GDP in 2026, propose 3.9 percent for 2027, and reach 5 percent by 2030. Yui characterized the increases as part of Taiwan’s responsibility to preserve regional stability through credible deterrence. “And you know, appeasement to bullies has never worked,” he said.

His remarks came as Washington faced questions over a proposed $14 billion arms package for Taiwan that had reportedly been delayed following Trump’s discussions with Xi. Yui maintained that American arms sales would continue, while acknowledging that Washington would determine their timing.

US reaffirms commitment to Taiwan

Ingrid Larson, managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan’s Washington office, reiterated the importance of Taiwan’s security to American regional policy. “We do indeed share an enduring bond,” Larson said, describing the relationship as grounded in shared democratic values, expanding economic ties, and a commitment to cross-strait stability.

The event, held on Oct. 8, 2026, brought together more than 1,000 diplomats, U.S. officials, lawmakers, and community leaders to highlight Taiwan’s democratic achievements, security concerns, and growing partnership with Washington. Pictured: Ingrid Larson, managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan’s Washington office, gives her remarks. (Image: Vision Times Staff)

“First, cross-strait stability is a pillar of the U.S. approach to the region,” she said, citing the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 as a longstanding pillar for American policy in the region. Larson also praised Taiwan’s democratic transformation and affirmed Washington’s support for the island’s efforts to improve its defense readiness and societal resilience.

Her remarks underscored the continuity of U.S. policy despite diplomatic tensions involving Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly opposed American military assistance to Taipei. Though Taiwan operates as an independent nation since its establishment in 1949, Beijing views the island as a “breakaway province,” and has vowed to reclaim it by any means necessary, even if that means resorting to military force to achieve what it deems as “re-unification.”

Technology and trade bolster partnership

Beyond security, both speakers emphasized Taiwan’s increasingly significant role in American technology and manufacturing. Yui highlighted bipartisan cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, and trusted supply chains, pointing to Taiwanese semiconductor investments in the United States as evidence of the partnership’s growing economic importance.

The event, held on Oct. 8, 2026, brought together more than 1,000 diplomats, U.S. officials, lawmakers, and community leaders to highlight Taiwan’s democratic achievements, security concerns, and growing partnership with Washington. Pictured from right: Johnson Chiang, Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, Cory Geisler, Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., Amb. Yui, Ryan M. Gallucci Executive Director, Washington Office and Assistant Adjutant General of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., and Chin-yuan Liu, Director of Veterans Affairs Division at TECRO. (Image: Vision Times Staff)

Larson likewise praised Taiwan’s expanding investment presence in Arizona, where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is developing major manufacturing operations. “Taiwan’s huge investment in our semiconductor manufacturing capabilities are just one example of how we are embracing a model of made with Taiwan,” Larson said.

The speakers also welcomed the opening of Taiwan’s 14th representative office in the United States, located in Phoenix, as another sign of deepening commercial ties.

Celebrating Taiwanese culture

The reception drew representatives from Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and like-minded countries, alongside Kimberly Bassett, Secretary of the District of Columbia; Susan Lee, Maryland Secretary of State; Christina Poy, Director of Asian Pacific Affairs for the Maryland Governor’s Office; Maryland State Senators Clarence Lam (D) and Mike McKay (R); and Maryland Delegate Mike Rogers (D), members of the state legislature’s Taiwan Caucus; as well as West Virginia Delegates Gary Howell (R) and Margitta Mazzocchi (R).

Congressional congratulatory certificates and statements were also issued by more than 90 members of Congress, including Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

The event, held on Oct. 8, 2026, brought together more than 1,000 diplomats, U.S. officials, lawmakers, and community leaders to highlight Taiwan’s democratic achievements, security concerns, and growing partnership with Washington. (Image: Vision Times Staff)

Beyond the speeches, guests enjoyed Taiwanese cuisine, including fried tilapia, Irwin mango desserts, and Taiwanese beverages. Cultural performances featured Guatemalan marimba music, a steel orchestra from Saint Kitts and Nevis, and American performer Tristan H. Exhibits showcasing Taiwanese drones and advanced display technologies reflected the island’s growing technological capabilities.

Original article
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