A reception was held on Wednesday at Twin Oaks Estate, the former residence of Republic of China (ROC) ambassadors to the US, to mark the 104th birthday of the Republic of China.
The national flags of the ROC and the US were hung from the building’s facade, flanking the ROC emblem. The event was attended by more than 1,000 guests, including officials from the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and members of the US Senate and House of Representatives.
Representative to the US Shen Lyu-shun (沈呂巡) said in an address at the reception that Taiwan is the US’ 10th-largest trading partner, but that the relationship between the two nations is not based solely on material exchange.
Photo: CNA
The two sides share a common democratic system, respect human rights and have maintained a long-term friendship, Shen said, adding that Taiwan should not forget that the US has helped the ROC at crucial moments, such as during World War II.
AIT Chairman Raymond Burghardt said the US and Taiwan have not only achieved progress in bilateral cooperation but have also jointly handled regional issues in Africa, Latin America and Oceania. This has enhanced Taiwan’s role in the international community and demonstrates US respect for Taiwan, he said.
Burghardt said the US and Taiwan are partners in Asia and around the world, sharing common values that include a fair economic system, aviation and press freedom, democracy and human rights, environmental protection, and the vision of a peaceful and prosperous Asia.
Twin Oaks was the official Washington residence of ROC ambassadors to the US between 1937 and 1978.
Taiwan was able to retain ownership of the property after Washington severed official ties with the ROC and recognized the People’s Republic of China in 1979.
Since then, only cultural and social events have been allowed at Twin Oaks for the most part. However, as mutual trust between Taiwan and the US has improved, Taiwan’s representative office was able to celebrate the ROC National Day again at the venue in 2011 for the first time in 32 years.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dozens of foreign delegations are scheduled to attend events this week in celebration of the ROC’s 104th birthday.
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