Taiwan Cultural Office Opens New Building in San Francisco

Previously, San Francisco’s TECO had operated out of leased spaces rather than having its own building.

Alexander Tah-ray Yui (front, 5th L), Ming-Chi Scott Lai (front, 6th L), and Ruan Jhao-syong (front, 3rd L) at the opening ceremony of the new TECO office building on Feb. 27, 2025. Nathan Su/The Epoch Times

SAN FRANCISCO—The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in San Francisco inaugurated its new building on Feb. 27, marking a milestone in U.S.–Taiwan relations.

TECO serves as a de facto embassy for Taiwan. Previously, San Francisco’s TECO had operated out of leased spaces rather than having its own building.

During the opening ceremony, Alexander Tah-ray Yui, Taiwan’s representative to the United States, said that “U.S.–Taiwan relations are rock solid” and that “Taiwan is an asset, not a liability” to the United States.

Permanent Presence in San Francisco

The new office building, located at 4th Street near Folsom Street in downtown San Francisco, stands seven stories tall with a total floor area of approximately 56,000 square feet. Jenny Guo, head of the office’s press division, said at a press event that the Taiwanese government invested $74 million in the property, making it one of five TECO office buildings Taiwan has purchased in the United States.

Yui talked about the historical significance of San Francisco’s Chinatown, the oldest in the United States, and stated that Taiwan’s decision to acquire a permanent office in the city reflects its commitment to serving Taiwanese communities across California, Utah, and Nevada. He also said that the purchase symbolizes a deeper, long-term investment in U.S.-Taiwan relations.

US Commitment

Yui praised the U.S. government’s commitment to Taiwan’s security through its adherence to the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, long-standing policies ensuring U.S. support for Taiwan. He cited Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent remarks in which Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Taiwan’s security and to maintaining regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The Taiwan Relations Act, established by the U.S. Congress in 1979, defined the officially substantial but non-diplomatic relations between the United States and Taiwan.

The Six Assurances are six foreign policy principles established by the United States during the Reagan era for Taiwan relations.

A Partner, Not a Burden

Yui said that this year marks the 25th anniversary of Taiwan’s first democratic transition of power. He said the United States and Taiwan not only share common democratic values but also serve each other as crucial economic and technological partners.

“For the United States, Taiwan is not a burden,” Yui said, adding that Taiwan is a trustworthy and valuable ally of the United States.

He also mentioned Taiwan’s commitment to defending itself rather than relying on the United States.

“Taiwan is not Afghanistan,” he said.

Yui said Taiwan is committed to increasing its defense budget to at least 3 percent of its GDP to bolster its security.

Celebration and Political Support

During the ceremony, Ming-Chi Scott Lai, director general of TECO in San Francisco, welcomed attendees and described the purchase of the new office as one of his most significant achievements over the past four years.

Ruan Jhao-syong, deputy minister of Taiwan’s Overseas Community Affairs Council, traveled from Taiwan to attend the event. In his speech, he called the new building “a bridge for U.S.–Taiwan exchanges” and expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to strengthen through joint efforts by governments and peoples in both nations.

Among the prominent local officials in attendance was David Chiu, San Francisco’s city attorney and a Taiwanese-American political leader. Speaking on behalf of the city government, Chiu praised the Taiwanese-American community as a model of entrepreneurial success and expressed confidence in its continued growth.

Also in attendance were San Francisco Supervisors Connie Chan and Joel Engardio, Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan, Fremont City Councilmember Yang Shao, former Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, and hundreds of Taiwanese-American community members from across the Bay Area.

Alexander Tah-ray Yui, Taiwan’s representative to the United States, speaks to the media at the opening ceremony of the new TECO office building in San Francisco on Feb. 27, 2025. Nathan Su/The Epoch Times