Taipei Candidate Shen Po-yang Engages in 'Sports Diplomacy' at New York Mets' 'Taiwan Day'

Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang concluded his U.S. visit by participating in the 22nd annual New York Mets "Taiwan Day" celebration at Citi Field. The event provided a platform for "sports diplomacy," allowing Shen and other delegates to engage with international representatives and local officials.

Prior to the game, Shen met with Democratic New York State Representative Ritchie Torres to exchange insights on local governance. Torres, who has served in various New York state and county roles, possesses extensive experience in local finance, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. Shen sought to draw upon these experiences to inform his approach to Taipei's municipal governance.

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Sitting in the Mets stadium, seeing Tseng-Chi Chang bring Taiwanese elements to the pitcher's mound and throw a symbolic pitch of Taiwan-U.S. friendship with Dr. Chi-Yen Lin, I felt the power of sports to unite communities and connect people.

During "Taiwan Day," which has been held for over 20 years, Taiwanese-born NASA astronaut Dr. Chi-Yen Lin and Chinese Professional Baseball Association President Tseng-Chi Chang served as honorary first pitch recipients. Many Taiwanese residents attended, wearing Taiwanese jerseys, creating a lively atmosphere.

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The "Taiwan Day" event in Flushing has been held for over 20 years, long uniting Taiwanese expatriates and allowing more people to see Taiwan through baseball.

Shen expressed that witnessing Chang throw the ceremonial pitch, symbolizing Taiwan-U.S. friendship alongside Dr. Lin, highlighted the power of sports in uniting communities. He shared personal memories of attending baseball games during his studies in the U.S., noting that baseball has been a significant part of his American life.

Shen noted that the "Taiwan Day" event in Flushing has long served to unite Taiwanese expatriates and introduce Taiwan to a broader audience through baseball. He felt the event facilitated natural exchanges with representatives from other countries and local officials, extending discussions from sports to urban governance. These discussions covered a wide range of topics, including local taxation, disaster prevention, affordable housing, industry development, talent exchange, and investment promotion.

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This event not only allowed us to feel the enthusiasm of Taiwanese expatriates in the United States but also provided opportunities for natural exchanges with representatives from other countries and local elected officials during the game, extending discussions into urban governance in a relaxed setting.