Envoy, Lai highlight shared values at event marking 250th year of U.S. founding

Taipei, May 27 (CNA) The United States' top representative to Taiwan and President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Wednesday jointly celebrated the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. at an event in Taipei, with both highlighting the two sides' shared democratic values and close partnership across various fields in the years ahead.

Speaking at a reception marking America's semiquincentennial, Raymond Greene, director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), said that on July 4, 1776, the American founders "declared a revolutionary idea that people should be free to govern themselves, to pursue their dreams, and to build a society based on justice, equality, and opportunity."

Greene, whose institute serves as the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan, said it was a pleasure to celebrate the milestone in Taipei "among those who believe in the essence of human dignity and the virtues of democratic governance."

"The United States and Taiwan's shared commitment to democracy is foundational to our relationship. Taiwan has shown the world the great progress possible when a society is committed to democracy, openness, and the rule of law," he said.

"Today, Taiwan stands as a model for the region and beyond, and a testament to the resilience of the 23 million people who call Taiwan home."

The ongoing celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, known as the "Freedom 250 program," are intended to honor the American spirit of innovation, resilience, and the pursuit of a better future, according to AIT.

Greene said that the same spirit of innovation had also helped foster U.S.-Taiwan partnerships in critical sectors, including semiconductors, citing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and its founder, Morris Chang (張忠謀), as examples of entities with a presence in both places.

"As we navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity, our innovators continue to drive breakthroughs that will shape the 21st century," he added.

In his address during the AIT reception, Lai noted that 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S., while Taiwan also commemorates the 30th anniversary of its first direct presidential election.

"Thirty years ago, the people of Taiwan elected their own president for the first time, realizing 'popular sovereignty' and establishing a democratic system," Lai said, adding that the founding principles of the U.S. "are flourishing on this side of the Pacific."

He thanked the U.S. for being a long-time "beacon of freedom" and for its "continued and unwavering support for democratic Taiwan through various means."

As the world faces new challenges, including the rise of AI, expanding authoritarianism, and climate change, Taipei and Washington will continue working together to address them and usher in a "golden age of Taiwan-U.S. relations" while creating "a better future for the world," Lai said.