OPINION:
When Taiwanese immigrants arrived in the United States in the mid-1900s, they left an island under martial law. Inspired by U.S. democratic ideals and civic traditions, they established the Taiwanese Association of America (TAA) to promote freedom, human rights and strong people-to-people ties between the two societies.
During Taiwan’s decades under martial law, early members were blacklisted from returning to their home country simply for joining TAA activities and connecting with fellow Taiwanese immigrants. Undeterred, they used U.S. constitutional protections to protest authoritarianism and advocate for the right of the Taiwanese people to determine their own future.
Since its inception in 1970, TAA has become one of the oldest and largest grassroots networks for Taiwanese Americans, with more than 72 chapters and 10,000 members nationwide. TAA has three core missions: preserving Taiwanese cultural heritage, strengthening U.S. communities through service, and building lasting partnerships between the United States and Taiwan via citizen diplomacy and public engagement.
As a bridge between the two societies, the TAA promotes mutual understanding through educational exchanges, public discussions and grassroots diplomacy. Local chapters have often curated events to celebrate this heritage, such as Taiwanese American Heritage Week, cultural festivals and Taiwan Day celebrations at Major League Baseball stadiums. These events spread awareness of Taiwan while driving community service through domestic and international disaster relief efforts, educational forums, scholarship initiatives, youth leadership programs and charitable activities.
The association is also a persistent diplomatic advocate. Every May, members rally across the country to urge the inclusion of Taiwan in global public health bodies like the World Health Organization. In September, TAA communities launch “UN for Taiwan” and “Keep Taiwan Free” initiatives, pressing the case that 23 million Taiwanese citizens deserve a voice on the global stage.
In the halls of government, TAA regularly champions the bipartisan partnership between the United States and Taiwan. Members support the principles of the Taiwan Relations Act and broader stability in the Indo-Pacific. As Taiwan has become a global leader in semiconductors and advanced technology, TAA has expanded its outreach to highlight Taiwan’s contributions to resilient supply chains, technological innovation and economic security for the United States and its allies.
Looking ahead, TAA sees an even greater role in the artificial intelligence (AI) era and is already working to empower the next generation of Taiwanese American leaders. Top areas of focus are technology, healthcare, education, AI and democratic resilience.
In 56 years, the TAA has grown from a Taiwanese community seeking freedom into a trusted association that enriches American society, supports Taiwan’s international participation and works together toward a more secure, prosperous, and innovative future.
• Minly Sung is president of the Taiwan America Association. Kuei-Ling Chen is advisor to the Taiwan America Association.
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