BASEBALL / VP Hsiao joins Washington Nationals' Taiwan Heritage Day celebrations

Washington, Aug. 30 (CNA) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) helped kick off the Washington Nationals' Taiwan Heritage Day on Saturday with a prerecorded message played on the Nationals Park jumbotron.

Wearing the retired No. 11 jersey of "Mr. National" Ryan Zimmerman, Hsiao highlighted baseball as a shared passion between Taiwan and the United States.

"Like in America, baseball is loved across Taiwan," Hsiao said. "It brings people together. It's more than a sport; it's a shared passion and a reflection of our deep people-to-people ties."

Hsiao also pointed to the common values of both countries, saying, "Today, we honor our friendship and the values cherished by both the Taiwanese and American people: teamwork, perseverance, and community."

The Nationals' home game against the Tampa Bay Rays also featured Taiwanese cultural performances, including the Electric-Techno Neon Gods, a modern take on the Nezha dance ritual, and a showcase by the Rakuten Girls cheerleading squad.

The Rakuten Girls' appearance drew strong reactions from fans, many noting the contrast between their interactive, dance-focused routines and the strength-oriented style of U.S. cheerleaders.

Tang Po-yu (唐伯禹), founder of the D.C.-based Millennial Global Youth Foundation, which helped organize the event, said it took some convincing to explain the cultural role of cheerleading in Taiwan.

"The Nationals didn't really understand why Taiwanese cheerleaders needed to be part of a baseball event," Tang told CNA, adding that once audience members saw the performances, the response was overwhelmingly positive.

Tang said his group is planning a similar event for the NBA in 2026.

The Nationals launched Taiwan Heritage Day as a trial last year. This year marked its official debut as an annual event, with 1,000 souvenir ticket packages selling out in under a month. Saturday's game drew more than 20,000 fans.