President Confers Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Star on Michael J. Fonte, Praising Key Contributor to Taiwan-U.S. Relations
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te awarded Michael J. Fonte, former director of the DPP's U.S. Office, the Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Star. This recognizes Fonte's half-century contribution to Taiwan's democracy, human rights, and the development of Taiwan-U.S. relations, particularly his advocacy for social justice during martial law and his efforts in the U.S. Congress on behalf of Taiwan.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 13:13
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Wen Kuei-hsiang, Taipei, 6th) President Lai Ching-te today conferred the "Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Star" upon Michael J. Fonte, former director of the Democratic Progressive Party's U.S. Office, in recognition of his half-century dedication to Taiwan's democracy, human rights, and the development of Taiwan-U.S. relations. President Lai, speaking in Taiwanese, stated that Fonte came to Taiwan during martial law to preach and promote social justice. After returning to the U.S., he continued to advocate for Taiwan in the U.S. Congress, making him a crucial driving force behind Taiwan's democratization and international support.
The President presented the "Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Star" to Michael J. Fonte at the Presidential Office this morning. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an, National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mark Chen, and former National Security Council Secretary-General Chiou I-jen were present to observe the ceremony.
The President noted that today's occasion was special because Fonte does not understand Mandarin but speaks Taiwanese, so he would deliver his address in Taiwanese.
The President said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections, symbolizing a significant moment in Taiwan's democratization process. Michael J. Fonte has been a vital good friend, working alongside the people of Taiwan for half a century. He expressed his great honor, representing the people of Taiwan, to present the "Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Star" to Michael, whom he knows well, in gratitude for his selfless dedication to Taiwan through concrete actions and his diligent cultivation and contribution to Taiwan-U.S. relations over the years.
The President mentioned that today, important figures from different generations, who have actively devoted themselves to Taiwan's democratization and Taiwan-U.S. relations, gathered to witness this grand event. Only Michael J. Fonte possesses such charisma to bring everyone together.
The President stated that Michael J. Fonte, originally from New York, U.S., graduated from seminary in 1967. He initially wanted to preach in major cities like Tokyo, Caracas in Venezuela, and Santiago in Chile, but was assigned by his church to rural Taiwan, working alongside farmers and cattle, serving the local communities, and traveling across Taichung, Changhua, and Miaoli. He spent six hours daily practicing the seven tones and eight pronunciations of Taiwanese, making his Taiwanese more standard than many Taiwanese people.
The President noted that Fonte often said that Taiwan stole his heart and that he formed an indissoluble bond with Taiwan, unable to separate from Taiwan throughout his life. As President and a member of democratic Taiwan, he thanked the church that sent Fonte to Taiwan back then, because with this important promoter, Michael J. Fonte, Taiwan's democratization process gained much assistance.
The President stated that Michael J. Fonte not only came to Taiwan during martial law to preach, promote social justice, and advocate for human rights, but after returning to the United States, he also consistently participated in the lobbying efforts of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) in the U.S. Congress. Because of Fonte's advocacy, Taiwan received firm support from the U.S. government when its international status was precarious.
The President said that facing various challenges, Michael J. Fonte stood side by side with the people of Taiwan, jointly striving for democracy and international community support. The hardships endured, especially by the Vice President, Mark Chen, and Chiou I-jen, must resonate deeply with them.
The President mentioned that it requires immense wisdom, courage, determination, and patience to knock on doors one by one in the U.S. Congress, executive branches, and think tanks, constantly lobbying officials, congressmen, and experts, and accurately conveying information about Taiwan to the U.S. side to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. For decades, Michael J. Fonte has not changed in this regard.
The President stated that this represents Michael J. Fonte's heart and affection for Taiwan. Although Fonte has retired, he is still requested to continue assisting and guiding younger generations in Taiwan. They will continue to work together to safeguard the democracy, peace, and prosperity that Taiwan has fought for. (Editor: Wan Shu-chang) 1150506
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(Central News Agency reporter Wen Kuei-hsiang, Taipei, 6th) President Lai Ching-te today conferred the "Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Star" upon Michael J. Fonte, former director of the Democratic Progressive Party's U.S. Office, in recognition of his half-century dedication to Taiwan's democracy, human rights, and the development of Taiwan-U.S. relations. President Lai, speaking in Taiwanese, stated that Fonte came to Taiwan during martial law to preach and promote social justice. After returning to the U.S., he continued to advocate for Taiwan in the U.S. Congress, making him a crucial driving force behind Taiwan's democratization and international support.
The President presented the "Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Star" to Michael J. Fonte at the Presidential Office this morning. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an, National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mark Chen, and former National Security Council Secretary-General Chiou I-jen were present to observe the ceremony.
The President noted that today's occasion was special because Fonte does not understand Mandarin but speaks Taiwanese, so he would deliver his address in Taiwanese.
The President said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections, symbolizing a significant moment in Taiwan's democratization process. Michael J. Fonte has been a vital good friend, working alongside the people of Taiwan for half a century. He expressed his great honor, representing the people of Taiwan, to present the "Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Star" to Michael, whom he knows well, in gratitude for his selfless dedication to Taiwan through concrete actions and his diligent cultivation and contribution to Taiwan-U.S. relations over the years.
The President mentioned that today, important figures from different generations, who have actively devoted themselves to Taiwan's democratization and Taiwan-U.S. relations, gathered to witness this grand event. Only Michael J. Fonte possesses such charisma to bring everyone together.
The President stated that Michael J. Fonte, originally from New York, U.S., graduated from seminary in 1967. He initially wanted to preach in major cities like Tokyo, Caracas in Venezuela, and Santiago in Chile, but was assigned by his church to rural Taiwan, working alongside farmers and cattle, serving the local communities, and traveling across Taichung, Changhua, and Miaoli. He spent six hours daily practicing the seven tones and eight pronunciations of Taiwanese, making his Taiwanese more standard than many Taiwanese people.
The President noted that Fonte often said that Taiwan stole his heart and that he formed an indissoluble bond with Taiwan, unable to separate from Taiwan throughout his life. As President and a member of democratic Taiwan, he thanked the church that sent Fonte to Taiwan back then, because with this important promoter, Michael J. Fonte, Taiwan's democratization process gained much assistance.
The President stated that Michael J. Fonte not only came to Taiwan during martial law to preach, promote social justice, and advocate for human rights, but after returning to the United States, he also consistently participated in the lobbying efforts of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) in the U.S. Congress. Because of Fonte's advocacy, Taiwan received firm support from the U.S. government when its international status was precarious.
The President said that facing various challenges, Michael J. Fonte stood side by side with the people of Taiwan, jointly striving for democracy and international community support. The hardships endured, especially by the Vice President, Mark Chen, and Chiou I-jen, must resonate deeply with them.
The President mentioned that it requires immense wisdom, courage, determination, and patience to knock on doors one by one in the U.S. Congress, executive branches, and think tanks, constantly lobbying officials, congressmen, and experts, and accurately conveying information about Taiwan to the U.S. side to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. For decades, Michael J. Fonte has not changed in this regard.
The President stated that this represents Michael J. Fonte's heart and affection for Taiwan. Although Fonte has retired, he is still requested to continue assisting and guiding younger generations in Taiwan. They will continue to work together to safeguard the democracy, peace, and prosperity that Taiwan has fought for. (Editor: Wan Shu-chang) 1150506
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.
Keywords: