TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Two of Taiwan's most prominent mayors departed for the United States on Wednesday (March 11), launching separate diplomatic missions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and advancing semiconductor cooperation. Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen (盧秀燕) leads a delegation focused on city diplomacy, while Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) heads a joint mission with Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture targeting trans-Pacific chip strategies.
Lu's delegation will travel through five states and nine administrative regions from Wednesday to Saturday (March 11 to 21), with stops in Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. Kuomintang, Taiwan's main opposition party, legislators saw her off at the airport, presenting the mayor with a safety charm and a hat emblazoned with "ROC Forever." The symbolic gestures represented hopes for strengthened Republic of China-U.S. relations during the 11-day visit.
Lu stated the primary purpose remains city diplomacy, though the delegation intends to use every opportunity to advocate for the Republic of China and secure its interests. She emphasized the mission will foster friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. amid rapidly changing global dynamics. The team aims to convey authentic voices from within Taiwan while bringing back American perspectives.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) simultaneously departed Wednesday leading a joint mission with Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture to enhance trans-Pacific semiconductor strategies. Representatives from the Kaohsiung City Government and Kumamoto Prefecture convened at Taoyuan International Airport before departing. The delegation plans to exchange ideas with Arizona's industry, government, and academia on chip manufacturing cooperation.