On the afternoon of November 11, Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han met with a delegation from the National Day Celebration Committee of the S.F. Bay Area led by Chairperson Peter Yun-Ho Yeh. Also in attendance were KMT Legislator Lin Chien-Chi, DPP Legislator Wang Cheng-Hsu, TPP Legislator Wu Chun-Cheng, Deputy Director of the International Affairs Department Yang Fang-Ling, Overseas Community Affairs Council Secretary-General Chang Liang-Min, and Senior Specialist Su Shang-Chieh.
President Han first extended a warm welcome to the visiting guests, which was followed by a group photo with the delegation members and legislators present. President Han noted that though there are big and small arguments on various issues across different parties in Taiwan, the unwavering support for overseas compatriots has not changed throughout the years. He added that having the three parties present today demonstrated the Legislative Yuan’s sincerity and warmth toward overseas compatriots.
President Han further noted that the National Day Celebration Committee of the S.F. Bay Area has been in existence in 1978, offering services for 47 years. It has been constantly dedicated to promoting National Day celebration activities. Such activities not only deepen the emotional ties among expatriates but also invigorate the diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the U.S. In 2024, National Day events organized by the committee in Santa Clara County, California, drew a crowd of nearly 1,000 participants, which thoroughly showcased overseas compatriots’ profound solidarity toward Taiwan. He felt very much impressed and moved. President Han stressed that overseas compatriots are “the driving force of the revolution.” Despite living overseas, they have always had a close interaction with the motherland, just as if there was an invisible thread binding their hearts to Taiwan. That said, President Han pointed out that though no party holds the majority in the Legislative Yuan this term, all legislators aim to find shared understanding while honoring their diverse perspectives, guided by a commitment to the nation’s well-being. During the first session, 45 important bills were passed, demonstrating the results of cross-party collaboration. The Legislative Yuan will continue to be the strongest support for overseas compatriots, providing constant encouragement and assistance in the future.
In his remarks, Chairperson of the National Day Celebration Committee of the S.F. Bay Area delegation, Peter Yun-Ho Yeh, thanked President Han and legislators present for taking the time to meet with the delegation. He added that the overseas community’s love and loyalty toward the Republic of China have remained steadfast, and that the main focus of this visit was to build consensus and strength, and gain an in-depth understanding of the current political landscape and future development plans, as well as exchanging opinions with various sectors. This will enable the overseas community to help the government promote citizen diplomacy upon returning to the U.S. Chairperson Yeh further mentioned he was deeply moved by President Han’s National Day speech when he said that, “The Republic of China is our country, Taiwan is our home, Chinese culture is our roots, and democracy and freedom are our treasures.” All members of the committee warmly invited the Legislative Yuan, the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and officials of all government agencies to visit the U.S. to take part in a wide range of activities in the overseas community. In doing so, they will be able to get a personal taste of how the overseas community loves the Republic of China. Chairperson Yeh then presented a video of all the important events organized by the committee to President Han and legislators in attendance, and invited them to participate in the New Year’s flag-raising ceremony in January 2025.
Legislator Lin Chien-Chi emphasized that she was deeply moved by the national flag jackets worn by the delegation members, and noted that as President Han served as the chairperson of the National Day Preparatory Committee, his decision to bring back the Republic of China component in front of the eyes of the Taiwanese has awakened many people’s patriotic sentiment. She believed that overseas compatriots share the same sentiment.
Legislator Wang Cheng-Hsu said he used to work in the medical field and looked forward to more exchanges with the overseas community in this area. In addition, he expressed his gratitude for the overseas community’s support, which helps boost Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts.
Legislator Wu Chun-Cheng gave high regards for the National Day ceremony organized by the National Day Celebration Committee of the S.F. Bay Area, and mentioned that this year’s National Day celebration activities were a great success under President Han’s leadership. He also hoped to strengthen exchanges with the delegation members through this visit.
Lastly, President Han noted that Taiwan’s democratic achievements have already proven to the world that a Chinese society can have a mature democratic system as well. Using the 2,000-plus journalists registry of the Legislative Yuan as an example, he illustrated how Taiwan’s democratic development has drawn significant attention from the globe. President Han further mentioned that Taiwan is an invisible champion in many areas, including the world-renowned AI industry to daily necessities such as shoes, hats, and lamps. Taiwan has made great contributions to the global overseas Chinese community and the world, boasting strong competitive advantages thanks to its outstanding technology. He hoped that the overseas compatriots present were filled with pride for Taiwan and would remain committed to fostering the nation's development and prosperity.
The meeting lasted about 40 minutes and concluded on a friendly and pleasant note, ending with the exchange of gifts between the two sides.
