Director General Lin of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Seattle presented a USD 200,000 donation from the Government of Taiwan to the American Red Cross Northwest Region on February 19, 2026. The funds are designated to Red Cross Northwest Disaster Relief, for readiness and response to disasters like the Washington Floods and countless other crises. The donation ceremony was witnessed by Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and Amanda Fisher, Director of International Relations and Protocol for the Governor’s Office.
Since early December 2025, Washington State has faced historic flooding triggered by persistent heavy rainfall. The disasters forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate and caused significant damage to state highways. Recovery and resettlement efforts remain ongoing.
During the ceremony held at the State Capitol, Director General Lin noted that Taiwan, frequently facing natural disasters itself, understands that recovery requires both substantial resources and strong community support. He expressed deep empathy for those affected by the floods. Director General Lin further emphasized the close cooperation between Taiwan and Washington across trade, education, technology, and culture. He highlighted the growing Taiwanese American community in the state and conveyed the heartfelt concern of the Taiwanese people, expressing hope that residents can return to their normal lives as soon as possible.
Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck expressed his gratitude for the generous contribution from the people and Government of Taiwan. He remarked that Washingtonians deeply cherish this friendship, noting that Taiwan has long been a steadfast ally to the state, and that both sides should continue to deepen their exchange and cooperation on this strong foundation.
In addition to the government’s contribution, the local Taiwanese community has also been active in relief efforts. Tzu Chi Seattle has provided essential supplies and launched a fundraising campaign, contributing nearly USD 120,000 toward disaster relief. Ms. Angela Wan, head of the Seattle branch, attended the ceremony to represent the significant contributions made by the Taiwanese community.
Taiwan and the United States continue to strengthen their partnership based on shared values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Through the "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance" signed in 2022, both nations have built a framework for institutionalized cooperation. TECO in Seattle remains dedicated to leveraging local community strengths and taking concrete actions to demonstrate that Taiwan is a force for good and a reliable partner to the United States.
