Denver 'Democratic Resilience' Forum: US Officials Demonstrate Firm Support for Taiwan
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver hosted a series of 'Democratic Resilience' forums to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections and the 250th anniversary of the United States. US officials, including Representative Derek Schmidt, attended to reaffirm the deepening partnership and shared democratic values.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 23, 2026 at 11:46
- 🔍 Collected: May 23, 2026 at 12:01 (15 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 31, 2026 at 21:00 (200h 59m after Collected)
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Denver recently hosted a series of "Democratic Resilience" forums to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Key political figures, including U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt, attended the events. Director General Yvonne Huang pointed out that both anniversaries symbolize that democratic systems are not taken for granted, but are the result of accumulated resilience and conviction after overcoming challenges.
The "Democratic Resilience" forum series was held in Denver, Colorado, and Overland Park, Kansas, both within the jurisdiction of TECO in Denver.
The Denver forum was co-hosted by TECO in Denver and the Center for China-U.S. Cooperation at the University of Denver. Under the theme "U.S.-China Great Power Competition and the Evolution of U.S.-Taiwan-China Relations," the event featured Kharis Templeman, a Taiwan expert at the Hoover Institution, and Chen Fang-yu, an associate professor of political science at Soochow University in Taiwan, with University of Denver Professor Zhao Suisheng serving as moderator.
Director General Yvonne Huang stated that Taiwan-U.S. relations continue to deepen, with Taiwan now being the fourth-largest trading partner of the United States. The two sides are working closely in areas such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and critical technology supply chains, building a more resilient and trusted partnership.
She further noted that both the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections symbolize that democratic systems are not a given, but are the result of accumulated resilience and conviction after overcoming challenges.
Chen Fang-yu analyzed the historical context of Taiwan's transition from authoritarianism to democracy, explaining how civil society promoted the development of democratic constitutionalism and the formation of a Taiwanese identity and democratic community. He emphasized that protecting a free and democratic Taiwan requires a continuous demonstration of democratic resilience and determination.
Chen also cited a quote from former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis: "People who love freedom should watch over each other," calling for democratic nations to continue to unite and cooperate.
Templeman pointed out that Taiwan has become a world-class democracy and an important model for democracy in Asia. Despite current challenges such as institutional design and political gridlock, Taiwanese society continues to seek solutions through democratic mechanisms, showing that the democratic system is still in a process of adjustment and maturation. He expressed great confidence in the future of Taiwan's democracy.
The Overland Park forum was co-hosted by TECO in Denver and the Taiwan-U.S. Friendship Association, focusing on "Democratic Resilience" and the development of Taiwan-U.S. relations. Several prominent political figures from Kansas attended to show their support.
At the federal level, U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt was present. At the state level, Kansas House Speaker Daniel Hawkins, House Majority Leader Chris Croft, State Treasurer Steven Johnson, and several state representatives also attended to express their firm support for Taiwan.
TECO in Denver stated that this year holds profound historical significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Through this "Democratic Resilience" forum series, the office not only deepened Taiwan-U.S. exchanges and cooperation in democratic values, technology, energy, and supply chains, but also reaffirmed the shared commitment of Taiwan, the United States, and other like-minded countries to the values of freedom and democracy.
The "Democratic Resilience" forum series was held in Denver, Colorado, and Overland Park, Kansas, both within the jurisdiction of TECO in Denver.
The Denver forum was co-hosted by TECO in Denver and the Center for China-U.S. Cooperation at the University of Denver. Under the theme "U.S.-China Great Power Competition and the Evolution of U.S.-Taiwan-China Relations," the event featured Kharis Templeman, a Taiwan expert at the Hoover Institution, and Chen Fang-yu, an associate professor of political science at Soochow University in Taiwan, with University of Denver Professor Zhao Suisheng serving as moderator.
Director General Yvonne Huang stated that Taiwan-U.S. relations continue to deepen, with Taiwan now being the fourth-largest trading partner of the United States. The two sides are working closely in areas such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and critical technology supply chains, building a more resilient and trusted partnership.
She further noted that both the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections symbolize that democratic systems are not a given, but are the result of accumulated resilience and conviction after overcoming challenges.
Chen Fang-yu analyzed the historical context of Taiwan's transition from authoritarianism to democracy, explaining how civil society promoted the development of democratic constitutionalism and the formation of a Taiwanese identity and democratic community. He emphasized that protecting a free and democratic Taiwan requires a continuous demonstration of democratic resilience and determination.
Chen also cited a quote from former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis: "People who love freedom should watch over each other," calling for democratic nations to continue to unite and cooperate.
Templeman pointed out that Taiwan has become a world-class democracy and an important model for democracy in Asia. Despite current challenges such as institutional design and political gridlock, Taiwanese society continues to seek solutions through democratic mechanisms, showing that the democratic system is still in a process of adjustment and maturation. He expressed great confidence in the future of Taiwan's democracy.
The Overland Park forum was co-hosted by TECO in Denver and the Taiwan-U.S. Friendship Association, focusing on "Democratic Resilience" and the development of Taiwan-U.S. relations. Several prominent political figures from Kansas attended to show their support.
At the federal level, U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt was present. At the state level, Kansas House Speaker Daniel Hawkins, House Majority Leader Chris Croft, State Treasurer Steven Johnson, and several state representatives also attended to express their firm support for Taiwan.
TECO in Denver stated that this year holds profound historical significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Through this "Democratic Resilience" forum series, the office not only deepened Taiwan-U.S. exchanges and cooperation in democratic values, technology, energy, and supply chains, but also reaffirmed the shared commitment of Taiwan, the United States, and other like-minded countries to the values of freedom and democracy.
FAQ
What is the significance of the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's presidential election?
It marks three decades since Taiwan's first direct presidential election in 1996, symbolizing the maturity of its democratic system.