President Tsai Ing-wen attended the 2020 Appreciation Luncheon for Overseas Taiwanese and expressed her belief that the most crucial mission now would be to guard the last free place in the Chinese-speaking world. She showed her appreciation to the Taiwanese for preserving democracy and urged elected politicians to carry out their promises so as to convince the young generation that has become more influential than ever.

The luncheon was organized by the Taiwanese American Council of Greater New York on January 12 at Grand Hotel Taipei. Nearly one thousand overseas Taiwanese attended the luncheon. President Tsai and OCAC Minister Wu Hsin-hsing, among other distinguished guests, gave their opening remarks at the luncheon. President Tsai said that the result of the presidential election and the future of Taiwan had attracted international attention. The most important mission now would be to guard the last free place in the Chinese-speaking world.

Minister Wu Hsin-hsing also expressed his gratitude to overseas Taiwanese for having made their efforts in all parts of the world, assisting the government in the promotion of economic trade exchanges and public diplomacy, and enabling the government to gain more international status with their support. Since overseas Taiwanese extend Taiwan’s national power to other countries, Wu added, the government will protect the rights of overseas Taiwanese, and will be the powerful backing that overseas Taiwanese can count on. Wu encouraged overseas Taiwanese to continue with their efforts and support for a brighter future of Taiwan.

Other guests include Member of the Legislative Yuan Freddy Lim, Lin Ching-yee, former Premier Yu Shyi-kun, Mayor of Taoyuan City Cheng Wen-tsan, and Principle Officer of the Taiwanese American Council of Greater New York Lai Hong-tien.