At the opening of the biennial rally of the Welcome Clubs International (WCI) yesterday, Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) told participants of Taiwan's determination to act as a responsible player in the international community.
"The democracy and development of Taiwan owes a great deal to foreign friends, especially the US. We will never forget the goodwill of those countries that have helped us through difficult times," Lu told some 300 participants from Taiwan and overseas.
The fundraising campaigns initiated by Lu after massive earthquakes hit India, El Salvador and Afghanistan, as well as the overseas operations of Taiwan's humanitarian groups -- have all contributed to Taiwan's reputation as "one of the charitable nations" in the world, Lu said.
Lu, a long-time champion of human rights and women's rights, also said that Taiwan has developed what she termed "soft power" over the years, namely, the strength of human rights, democracy, peace, love and technological progress.
Lu also said that the theme of the nine-day WCI meeting -- "We Care" -- encorporates the spirit of soft power as WCI over the years has focused on assistance to newcomers in foreign countries.
The WCI was derived from the success of the US-based Welcome to Washington International Club, founded in 1959. Over the years, it has developed into a worldwide organization with divisions all around the world with some 5,000 members.
The Welcome to Taipei International Club was founded in 1986, and is currently headed by Jacqueline Chiou (
Participants at the rally will exchange views on issues pertaining to women and minority groups, as well as social welfare.
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