Bilingual text here: https://english.ftvnews.com.tw/news/2026506W07EA?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description
雙語文字版: https://english.ftvnews.com.tw/news/2026506W07EA?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description

Our official website: ➔ https://english.ftvnews.com.tw/

Follow us on
Facebook: ➔ https://www.facebook.com/ftvformosanews
X (Twitter): ➔ https://x.com/FTV_Taiwan_News
Michael Fonte, former Director of the DPP’s Mission in the US, was conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon by the president on Wednesday. In remarks, President Lai Ching-te expressed gratitude for Fonte’s decades-long allyship with Taiwan’s democracy activists, and for gaining the US government’s support for Taiwan. Fonte arrived in Taiwan in 1976, served as missionary in rural townships and learned to speak fluent Taigi. Fonte stated that Taiwan must remain resilient in the face of continued threats from China.

President Lai Ching-te confers the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to Michael Fonte, former Director of the DPP’s Mission in the US. The president is filled with gratitude for Fonte’s efforts in promoting Taiwan-US relations.

Lai Ching-te
President
He speaks Taigi, so I will be delivering my remarks in Taigi. I’d like to express my gratitude to Mr. Michael Fonte, whom we know so well as Mike, for his selfless contributions for Taiwan’s democracy through concrete action throughout the years, for his painstaking management and dedication for Taiwan-US relations.

Fonte arrived in Taiwan in 1976 after graduating from seminary. Throughout the years, he’s served in several rural townships and acquired fluent Taigi. He was also an ally of Taiwan’s democracy activists. After returning to the US, he continued to support Taiwan’s democratization and continued to work with activists, including victims of the Kaohsiung Incident. He also lobbied for Taiwan at the US Congress.

Lai Ching-te
President
Mike always says that Taiwan stole his heart, leading to a profound connection with Taiwan, so much so that he’ll never be separated from Taiwan. Thanks to Mike’s lobbying, Taiwan’s international status received rock-solid support from the US in times of uncertainty. Mike has always stood alongside the people of Taiwan in the face of challenges.

Michael J. Fonte
Former Director of DPP in the US
The world needs to hear this story, this wonderful story, and support Taiwan, as Taiwan continues now in the face of continued threats from China. I’m deeply honored to have a small part—just a teeny bit [in Taigi]—of this journey. Thanks to all of you for your companionship as we move through this time. Challenges remain. We must all remain resilient and keep up with this good fight. Long live Taiwan democracy [in Taigi]!

Fonte’s decades-long dedication to Taiwan is officially honored with this award.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#taiwan #taiwanusrelations #dpp #immigrantstory #democracy

#台灣新聞 #TaiwanNews #民視新聞 #FTV新聞 #Taiwan