First lady Wu Shu-chen (
The trip will mark the first time a first lady from Taiwan has visited US capital since 1979, when Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing.
During her trip, Wu will deliver three speeches on Taiwan's democratic achievements.
The wheelchair-bound first lady is scheduled to speak at the National Arts Club in New York as well as the American Enterprise Institute think tank and National Endowment for Democracy in Washington.
"Fully aware of her status as the president's alter ego, the first lady will not only outline Taiwan's democratic process and Chen's efforts since the transfer of power in 2000, she will also stress Taiwan's contribution to global initiatives to fight terror," an aide at the Presidential Office said.
"In addition, the first lady will express her regret over Taiwan's being rejected as a UN member despite its efforts to play an active role in the international community."
Regarding the cross-strait issue, the aide said Wu will stress that her husband will not cease his efforts to normalize ties, even though China has not responded to Taiwan's goodwill.
Wu will also take part in interviews with The Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.
Unlike most official delegations, the 20-plus group Wu leads is predominantly made up of wives of senior government officials.
Member of the delegation include Kang Ping (
The delegation was to arrive in New York yesterday evening. Wu will stay at the landmark Waldorf-Astoria in the heart of mid-town Manhattan for four days.
While in New York, Wu will tour the Empire State Building, attend a concert at Lincoln Center and visit the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute where she will promote the spirit of optimism and innovation as a solution to problems.
The delegation will then travel to the US capital by train.
In Washington, Wu will visit the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials as well as the National Rehabilitation Hospital, where she will address disabled groups. The first lady will also speak with American Red Cross officials.
Wu plans to attend a reception hosted by members of Congress and will receive the Democratic Service Medal at the National Endowment for Democracy.
In her final stop, the first lady will cheer for Chen Chin-feng (陳金鋒), the first Taiwanese player to play in the majors, who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers last week.
Wu has been confined to a wheelchair since 1985, when a car struck her during a rally to thank supporters of Chen Shui-bian (
Having overcome tremendous adversities, Wu was elected as a legislator in 1986 and helped her husband become a lawmaker in 1989, Taipei mayor in 1994 and the nation's president two years ago.
"Many US congressmen have been curious about our first lady because most of them heard about her being constrained by the wheelchair. It will be a great chance for them to see the first lady and listen to her story," said DPP Legislator Parris Chang (張旭成).
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