South OC Times

U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40), chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific, delivered opening remarks at a roundtable held at Santiago Canyon College in California’s 40th District. The event, titled “Global Ties, Local Impact: Why Taiwan Matters for California,” aimed to explore the significance of U.S.-Taiwan relations.

Kim thanked her colleague, Representative Jay Obernolte, and the panelists for their participation, as well as Santiago Canyon College for hosting the event. She emphasized that while Taiwan is often discussed in terms of national security and foreign policy in Washington, its impact on local communities in Orange County and Southern California is substantial.

"Despite its small size and long distance from us, Taiwan’s cultural and economic importance is felt across our communities," Kim stated. She highlighted local businesses such as 85 Degrees Bakery and Din Tai Fung as examples of Taiwanese contributions to the area’s culture. Additionally, she noted that many smartphones are powered by semiconductors manufactured by Taiwan's TSMC.

Kim pointed out that Taiwanese Americans have been integral to Southern California's development for decades, contributing to business creation and job growth. This relationship was facilitated by the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which established a framework for U.S.-Taiwan relations following the United States' diplomatic recognition of the People’s Republic of China.

As Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, Kim has focused significantly on Taiwan. Her subcommittee held a hearing on the Taiwan Relations Act in May, and she has visited Taiwan twice during this Congress to meet with its leaders.

Kim expressed concern over ongoing economic and military pressure from China on Taiwan. "The CCP regularly conducts military exercises around the island...to train for military conflict or an economic blockade," she said. She warned that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could have severe global economic repercussions, potentially costing $10 trillion.

"This is truly becoming a 'here and now' issue," Kim asserted. She stressed that foreign policy affects all Americans and that members of Congress must communicate the stakes involved in the Taiwan Strait to their constituents.

The roundtable featured a panel of Taiwanese Americans who discussed what the bilateral relationship means to both Orange County and Taiwan. Kim concluded by celebrating their contributions to Southern California while acknowledging criticisms of China.

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