Director General Chou and Florida officials gathered to create a "time capsule" commemorating the 45th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act!
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act(TRA). To underscore the significance of this legislation in nurturing the close relationship between Taiwan and the United States over the past 45 years, our office, in collaboration with the Taiwanese Association of America Greater Orlando (TAAGO), hosted a special event on 4/7 at the South Econ Community Park in Orange County, Central Florida.
Guests were invited to partake in creating a "time capsule," where they could inscribe their hopes and expectations for the future of Taiwan-U.S. relations, thus honoring this pivotal moment in history.
Over 200 attendees participated in this event, including State Senator Linda Stewart, State Representatives Johanna Lopez, Rita Harris, Anna Eskamani, Federal Judge Mikaela Nix Walker of the 9th Circuit Court of Florida, and Shally Wong, Special Assistant to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, alongside other distinguished guests from Central Florida. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, as well as Representative Darren Soto, also sent delegates to convey their support for Taiwan.
During his address, Director General Chou underscored how the solid foundation laid by the Taiwan Relations Act has fostered close and amicable cooperation and development between Taiwan and the United States across various domains such as the economy, society, and culture over the past 45 years. He cited the recent earthquake in Taiwan as an example, highlighting the outpouring of concern and condolences from Florida officials through calls, messages, and emails. He also expressed gratitude on behalf of the Taiwanese government and people for the warm sentiments shown by Florida officials towards Taiwan and its people.
Dignitaries, when invited to give remarks during the event, unanimously emphasized the significance of today's commemorative event and expressed their hope for even closer Taiwan-U.S. relations based on the foundation laid by the TRA. They also extended condolences for the earthquake in Taiwan on April 3rd, expressing confidence in Taiwan's swift recovery and return to normalcy.
The highlight of the event was Director General Chou and President Chien Ya-lan of TAAGO, along with all the dignitaries, joining together to create a "time capsule." Each guest was tasked with inscribing their blessings for the 50th anniversary of the TRA in 2029. Attendees eagerly participated in this meaningful activity, inscribing their blessings for the future, and Director General Chou sealed them in the capsule on the spot. The capsule will be safeguarded at our office and is scheduled to be opened in 2029 on the 50th anniversary of the TRA.
The event also featured a plaque unveiling ceremony for "Team Taiwan," a longstanding participant in the South Econ Community Park's adoption program, organized by TAAGO. This ceremony acknowledged the Taiwanese community's active involvement in serving the Orange County community, fully demonstrating the friendly relations between the people of Taiwan and the United States.
