Taiwan hosted a National Day gala at its Washington DC estate, Twin Oaks, on Wednesday. Taiwan’s National Day is coming up on October 10.

Taiwan’s representative to the United States Hsiao Bi-khim says Taiwan saw the support of many friends at the event. Over 1,000 guests attended including AIT Chairman James Moriarty as well as ambassadors from Guatemala, Paraguay, Honduras, the Holy See and many others. Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton attended and US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent a letter of congratulations.

At the gala, Representative Hsiao highlighted the support she has witnessed from the international community. She said US President Joe Biden expressed support for peace in the Taiwan Strait on many occasions including in September for the first time at a UN General Assembly.  She said Taiwan has all seen visits from many members of Congress including US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as well as parliamentarians from many countries. 

This year, Taiwan invited guests to enjoy a traditional night market. Participants enjoyed Taiwanese street food delicacies such as popcorn chicken, pork belly buns (gua bao), braised pork rice (lu rou fan), and boba tea served up in light bulbs.