First of all, I would like to say a few words in English to express my condolences over the shooting in Orlando.
On behalf of the people of Taiwan, we stand with the United States in this time of grief, and offer our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims.
An attack on the values we jointly hold--openness, tolerance, and inclusiveness--is an attack on us all. President Obama described this incident as an "act of hate" and an "act of terror." As a democracy, we firmly believe that hate and terror can never overcome our freedom.
Together with the international community, we condemn this act of senseless violence.
I will continue in Chinese for my remarks tonight.
This is my first overseas trip since taking office as president. And my first transit stop is here in Miami. When I arrived at my hotel this afternoon, many of our Taiwanese expatriates were already there to welcome me. Although I am far away from home, I still feel the warmth of Taiwan in my heart.
The United States is Taiwan's most important partner. Outside of our cooperation on many strategic and trade matters, the most important foundations of Taiwan-US exchanges are our shared values and friendship.
The friendship we share with the United States is exemplified by Taiwan's strong supporters in Congress. I am grateful to each and every Congressperson with us here tonight for continuing to speak up for Taiwan, and supporting bills that solidify the Taiwan-US partnership. Together with the administration, your support has been instrumental in furthering this relationship, and for that I am thankful.
One of the key factors to mutual understanding and a close relationship between Taiwan and the US is our expatriates here. It's because of your presence and hard work that the Taiwan-US friendship can continue to solidify. For this I want to thank you, and I hope that you will continue to strive for Taiwan.
Florida and Taiwan have many things in common, including a fairly hot climate. But what many people don't know is that Taiwan's most well-known agricultural product over the past few years, the Aiwen mango, was actually introduced from Florida.
In addition, Taiwan-Florida trade is also thriving and statistics show that in 2015 Taiwan was Florida's sixth-largest export market in Asia. We also recognize each other's driver licenses, which has made domestic travel and an active lifestyle more convenient for travelers and foreign exchange students in both places.
PortMiami is the world's largest home port for cruise ships, while Taiwan's largest harbor is Kaohsiung. Both ports are sun-drenched locations and first-class harbors, and have already signed a sister seaport agreement to continue deepening exchanges and cooperation.
This close cooperation is a symbol of Taiwan-US friendship and is also the product of efforts by Taiwan's Miami-based diplomatic personnel and expatriate community. Please give yourselves a round of applause.
This overseas trip, like I said before departing Taiwan, is all about "steadfast diplomacy", which means "to be unwavering and firm in purpose, and to work diligently and pragmatically toward achieving our goals." Taiwan is an important participant in the international community, and although our diplomatic efforts face challenges at every turn, the people of Taiwan still give it their all.
Not only our diplomats, but also each and every Taiwanese expatriate working abroad is the ideal diplomatic spokesperson for the people of Taiwan. Your contributions and achievements in all fields of endeavor let the whole world see the Taiwan Spirit.
Right now, the eyes of baseball fans everywhere are on Ichiro Suzuki, the Japanese star with the Miami Marlins, as he is about to set a historical record. What he has accomplished has put Japanese baseball at the center of the global baseball stage. Besides his personal achievements, this is the most remarkable part.
Similarly, Taiwan baseball star Wei-Yin Chen (陳偉殷) is also with the Miami Marlins as starting pitcher. Every time Chen starts for the Marlins, it becomes a must-watch performance for fans in Taiwan and around the world. And every time he takes the mound, everyone knows that the Marlins' ace pitcher is from Taiwan.
There are many expatriate representatives here whose remarkable work also helps the world get to know Taiwan, such as the achievements of Dr. Jaue Huey Hsu (許照惠) in biotech, the importance of Ms. Tsai Hui Wu (徐彩惠) in the US electric fan manufacturing industry, and Mr. Joe Wang's (王成章) stature in the business community.
Our outstanding expatriates have not only achieved a great deal professionally, but have also actively contributed to the public good and overseas community affairs. I want to express my gratitude to those outstanding people and all of the expatriates here today. Your individual efforts are widely admired, and have made you the pride of Taiwan.
Tomorrow, I will meet with Wei-Yin Chen and tell him that our entire country is rooting for him. But right now I want to root for you and support you. It's thanks to the great work you do that Taiwan has become even more visible on the world stage, and that more and more people care about Taiwan and see how diverse and beautiful it truly is. "Add oil (Chinese expression of encouragement), everyone!"
I know that everyone is concerned about Taiwan's current development and various challenges. At this very first stop on my diplomatic mission, I already feel warmly embraced by all of you.
I will carry your support back to Taiwan as momentum for greater efforts. I also need everyone to back me up and continue to support the governing team. We will continue to work hard so that Taiwan can surmount its present difficulties, and make everyone proud of their homeland, and proud to be Taiwanese.
In closing, I would like to thank again Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, Gregg Harper, and Ted Yoho for joining us today. Your friendship and support in Congress mean a lot to us and to Taiwan. Thank you.
I wish everyone success in all your endeavors and a longstanding friendship between Taiwan and the US. Thank you.