Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Minister Wu Hsin-shing held a discussion meeting with the members of the Delegation of North America Taiwan Centers (from Los Angeles, New York, Northern California, San Diego, Washington and Canada) on September 11. He said he hoped every member of the group would take advantage of the opportunity of returning to Taiwan to exchange opinions with the government, expressing their support for Taiwan through their actions.

Wu thanked compatriots for their long-term contribution to their homeland Taiwan that has allowed the world to see Taiwan in positive light. Taking events such as Taiwanese Heritage Week and Taiwan Day held in North America in May every year as an example, he affirmed the efforts of overseas compatriots to introduce Taiwanese culture to mainstream society and display its essence and refinement through diverse activities, in doing so helping the government promote civil diplomacy.

Wu also mentioned that, early this year, the OCAC officially drew up guidelines for subsidizing February 28th Incident memorial events staged by overseas compatriot groups. The aim is to commemorate our predecessors who gave up their lives in pursuit of democracy and freedom, and also to restore historical fact so that Taiwanese society can truly forgive, the young generation will really understand the process of Taiwan’s democratization, and transitional justice can be fully implemented.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Chairperson of Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Society Liao Chun-Zu said she hopes that overseas communities can unite in working for Taiwan so that Taiwan’s soft power and cultural diversity are widely promoted overseas. She thanked the OCAC for continually caring for and assisting compatriots and bringing them together in support of Taiwan.