By Nick Ni
March 18, 2016 ǀ Reporting from Los Angeles
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou had a stopover transit in Los Angeles on March 17 after wrapping up his final presidential visit to Central America. More than 400 Taiwanese expatriates showed up at the hotel to greet Ma.
Ma told the local press that his visit to Guatemala and Belize was very successful. And four leaders of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies met with him. Ma said this was his last overseas trip as president, and he was touched by the warm welcome Taiwanese expatriates extended him. And he looked forward to keep contact with everyone even after his presidency.
“President Ma has done a lot of things for Taiwan. Taiwanese expatriates are all grateful for that. Tonight we gather here to express our gratitude and bid farewell to him,” said Mr. Allan Thian, member of Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission and president of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America.
Some elected officials and dignitaries attended the welcoming dinner hosted by the local Taiwanese expatriates. Among them are Congressman Ted Lieu, California State Treasurer John Chiang, State Senator Ben Allen, State Assemblywoman Young Kim, San Bernardino Supervisor Curt Hagman, Beverly Hills Mayor John Mirisch, Malibu Mayor Laura Rosenthal, Santa Monica Mayor Antonio Vazquez, Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Julie Wagner, and Simon Pang, Executive Vice President of Royal Business Bank.
