The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Houston hosted a reception at the Omni Houston Hotel for the 115th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on October 7, 2026. More than 300 guests from political, business, academic, and overseas Taiwanese communities came together to celebrate Taiwan and Taiwan’s close ties with the Southern states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Texas.
In her remarks, Director-General Yvonne Hsiao noted that this year marks both the 250th anniversary of American Independence and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. She highlighted the longstanding U.S. support for Taiwan’s democratic development, stating that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 laid the foundation for the enduring Taiwan-U.S. partnership, which is built on shared values and mutual trust.
Director-General Hsiao then turned to Taiwan-U.S. trade, mentioning that, on the economic front, Taiwan and the United States are working together to build a “joint fleet” by deepening bilateral trade, investment, and supply chain integration. This year, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Investment, an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, as well as the Pax Silica Declaration and a Joint Statement on Taiwan-U.S. Economic Security Cooperation to further strengthen their mutually beneficial economic security partnership.
In 2025, Taiwan’s investment in China fell to just 3% of its total outward investment, while the share of investment in the United States surpassed 40%. Bilateral trade has since exceeded $256 billion, making Taiwan the United States’ fourth-largest trading partner.
Taiwan is at the heart of the global AI hardware supply chain and AI infrastructure. More than 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductors are manufactured in Taiwan, while Taiwanese companies produce and assemble over 90% of AI servers. Looking ahead, Taiwan’s manufacturing strengths, combined with U.S. innovation and talent, will enable both sides to build secure and resilient supply chains in semiconductors, AI, drones, and other critical technologies. Director-General Hsiao emphasized that Taiwan-U.S. technology cooperation is not about “replacing one another,” but about empowering each other and contributing to global economic prosperity.
Director-General Hsiao stated that approximately one-fifth of global maritime trade passes through the Taiwan Strait each year and spoke about the importance of peace and stability across the Strait to the world economy. She reaffirmed that Taiwan will continue to safeguard democracy, strengthen resilience, and work closely with the United States to advance technological innovation, build resilient supply chains, and promote peace and prosperity.
The reception brought together distinguished guests from across the Southern U.S., including Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Louisiana Deputy Secretary of State Laura Seabaugh, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Chief of Staff Brian Perry, Oklahoma State Representative Daniel Pae. U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, as well as U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher, were also represented at the reception by their respective district directors. To mark the occasion, state governments and legislatures in the region sent congratulatory letters and proclamations recognizing the 115th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the importance of Taiwan as a vital partner.
The venue featured Taiwan-inspired elements, including Taipei 101, a city skyline, high-speed rail, wind energy, and semiconductors, paying homage Taiwan’s democracy, technological development, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. The flags of the five states within TECO Houston’s service area and visual elements representing Taiwan-U.S. exchanges were also incorporated into the venue design, reflecting the longstanding ties between Taiwan and the Southern United States.
The 2026 National Day video, “The Album of a Nation,” screened at the reception offered guests a closer look at Taiwan’s democratic achievements and technological strengths. The reception concluded amid a festive atmosphere, with guests being given specially designed cookies featuring a “30 Years of Direct Presidential Elections” commemorative logo and Taipei 101 as National Day gifts.
