The 41st UNITY New Year Celebration in Greater... - Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago 駐芝加哥台北經濟文化辦事處

UNITY 2025 New Year Celebration was grandly held on February 15 at the Hilton Chicago. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Chicago collaborated with political leaders from the Midwest, the Chicago Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, and major Taiwanese enterprises such as Foxconn, China Airlines, and EVA Air, along with representatives from the overseas community, business, and academic sectors. This event reinforced President Lai Ching-te’s vision of “Integrated Diplomacy” and a Taiwan economic where “sun never sets”, expanding Taiwan’s economic strength and public diplomacy influence. Over 600 distinguished guests attended the celebration, creating a warm and joyous atmosphere.

Director General Dennis Yen-Feng Lei welcomed a distinguished group of attendees, including U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL), Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs, Illinois State Senator Laura Murphy, Illinois House Taiwan Friendship Caucus member Representative Hoan Huynh, Illinois State Representative Theresa Mah, Illinois State Representatives Barbara Hernandez, Matt Hanson, Nicholas Smith, and Dagmara Avelar, as well as Chicago City Council Taiwan Friendship Caucus Co-Chair Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Chicago Alderman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Evanston City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza, and Head of Communication of Foxconn USA Robert Schlaeger. Additionally, representatives from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s office, Illinois State Senators Mattie Hunter and Rachel Ventura’s offices were also present, demonstrating strong support from Illinois, Chicago, and Evanston political leaders.

In his opening remarks, Director General Lei reflected on his visits to 30 overseas Taiwanese and Chinese communities group during the Lunar New Year and his participation in various community celebration events. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to these expatriates for their unwavering support for the Republic of China (Taiwan) and TECO in Chicago, emphasizing how this unity strengthens the overseas Taiwanese community. He highlighted the rock-solid Taiwan-U.S. relationship, referencing President Lai’s New Year’s address, which underscored Taiwan’s international influence rooted in its commitment to democracy, economic prosperity, and technological innovation. Taiwan shares democratic values with the United States, and defending democracy together is both Taiwan’s responsibility and commitment. Taiwan also aligns with former President Trump’s policy by continuously increasing defense spending and strengthening self-defense capabilities to ensure regional peace and stability.

Director General Lei also echoed President Lai’s recent remarks, emphasizing the rapid growth in Taiwan-U.S. economic relations in recent years. As a global leader in the semiconductor industry, Taiwan is launching an initiative to promote semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies, collaborating with democratic allies like the United States to build a more resilient and diversified supply chain. Furthermore, Taiwan’s advanced semiconductor technology will be leveraged to establish a global AI chip alliance with democratic nations, driving global technological advancements.

Beyond economic cooperation, Taiwan-U.S. collaboration in technology and education is also deepening. For example, the University of Illinois System has signed MOUs with 12 Taiwanese universities, fostering AI and semiconductor partnerships. Additionally, in the past year, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio have established trade offices in Taiwan, while Iowa signed an economic cooperation and trade relations MOU with Taiwan. Notably, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has visited Taiwan twice in the past year, further highlighting the thriving exchanges between Taiwan and the Midwest across political, economic, educational, and technological sectors. In closing, Director General Lei extended New Year blessings to the overseas Taiwanese community, wishing everyone happiness, good health, and prosperity.

During their speeches, Chicago Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association President Bonnie Chin and UNITY 2025 General Coordinator Ling-Ling Hu wished all attendees a happy New Year and expressed gratitude for their continued support of the UNITY New Year celebration. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs reminisced about his time studying in Taiwan at Cheng Kung University, highlighting the valuable contributions of the Taiwanese community to Illinois and recognizing Taiwan’s democratic, economic achievements. Illinois House Taiwan Friendship Caucus member Representative Hoan Huynh praised Taiwan’s international influence, shared his experiences visiting Taiwan last year, and affirmed his admiration for Taiwan’s democratic and economic progress, while also acknowledging TECO Chicago’s dedication to strengthening Taiwan-U.S. Midwest relations.

Now in its 41st year, the UNITY New Year Celebration continues to serve as a premier Lunar New Year celebration in the Midwest, bringing together political, business, and overseas community leaders from Illinois and Chicago. Despite various challenges in organizing the event annually, its impact and visibility have steadily grown, yielding increasingly fruitful outcomes and attracting more political figures and dignitaries who are learning about and supporting Taiwan.