Chair Rosenberger’s Diaspora Gala Remarks at the
San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel on
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
(prepared on August 11, 2023)
Introduction
Vice President Lai, members of your delegation, good evening. Representative Hsiao, distinguished guests, I am honored to be here with you tonight, representing the American Institute in Taiwan.
During President Tsai’s transits earlier this year, I had the privilege of meeting Taiwanese-American communities in New York and Los Angeles. I am thrilled to meet all of you today here in San Francisco.
As you likely know, San Francisco and Taiwan have a long-lasting friendship—San Francisco and Taipei became sister cities over 50 years ago. Since then, the cultural, economic, and technological ties between the Bay Area and Taiwan have only grown; today, at least 14 counties in California have formed sister-county or sister-city relationships with Taiwan counterparts.
As leaders in Bay Area business, tech, and civil society, you all are essential contributors to the vibrancy and strength of American society. Your work in your communities also helps to foster the U.S.-Taiwan partnership, which continues to develop consistent with our one China policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiques, and Six Assurances. In the past five months of my tenure as Chair of the American Institute in Taiwan, I have experienced firsthand the broadening and deepening of this partnership, particularly in the economic, trade, and education sectors.
Policy Updates
In my first few months in this role, I have been lucky enough to travel to Taiwan twice already, sampling delicious cuisine at the Raohe night market, experiencing the incredible warmth of the Taiwan people in places from Jiufen to Pingxi to Kaohsiung, and, of course, exploring the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of beautiful Tainan with Vice President Lai, who—I must add—is a very good tour guide. And I have also gotten to see the many ways in which our partnership continues to grow. In June, I was honored to join the AIT and TECRO signing of the first agreement under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative for 21st Century Trade, which paves the way for increased investment, trade, and economic cooperation between the United States and Taiwan. Negotiations on further agreements are ongoing.
Another area with growing momentum is our collaboration in high-tech development and investment—which is a two-way relationship. Not only is the United States implementing the CHIPS and Science Act, which makes it more attractive for Taiwan companies to invest here, but we are also seeing many U.S. technology companies significantly increase their investments in Taiwan. For example, according to a recent announcement by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, two companies, the San Jose-based tech firm Cadence, along with Lam Research, headquartered in Fremont, California, plan to expand their research and development investments in Taiwan to nearly 100 million U.S. dollars.
We are also working to strengthen educational and people-to-people exchanges. In May, I hosted a large delegation from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education to strengthen semiconductor and STEM cross-border talent cultivation.
Taiwan’s Contributions
The Biden Administration is committed to expanding Taiwan’s participation in international institutions where statehood is not a pre-requisite, as well as its engagement with likeminded partners and allies. As evidenced time and time again, Taiwan has much to contribute, and it is essential Taiwan has an opportunity to share its expertise in areas such as climate and pandemic preparedness when addressing global challenges. Accordingly, we look forward to Taiwan’s meaningful participation at APEC 2023 high-level meetings and the Leaders’ Summit right back here in San Francisco.
Taiwan is a crucial partner in U.S. efforts to maintain global peace and stability—including in the Taiwan Strait. Preserving this peace and stability is a core tenet of the United States’ long-standing cross-Strait policy, and our commitment to help maintain Taiwan’s self-defense capacity is rock-solid, just as the U.S.-Taiwan friendship is unwavering.
Vice President Lai and members of your delegation, thank you very much for the opportunity to spend time with you tonight. I hope you have safe travels back to Taiwan and that I will see you again in Taiwan soon.