TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese Americans gathered in Washington, DC, for the Formosan Association for Public Affairs’ largest-ever National Advocacy Conference, pressing lawmakers to recognize Taiwan’s survival as vital to US security.

The three-day event, launched Saturday, trained attendees in congressional lobbying strategies and role-playing meetings, per CNA. It drew a record 112 participants.

FAPA President Kao Su-mei (林素梅) said the priority was ensuring lawmakers understood Taiwan’s importance to US national security, noting Taiwanese American advocates must compete with powerful lobbying groups for limited time and attention in Congress.

FAPA Executive Director Hsiao Chiao-yun (蕭喬勻) and policy researcher Tsai Tsung-han (蔡宗翰) coached attendees on drafting effective letters and researching lawmakers’ backgrounds to help connect through personal stories rather than policy demands.

Hsiao recalled telling her own story to an Oregon lawmaker, citing a 2012 incident when China pressured the removal of a mural critical of Beijing — a moment she said sparked empathy and underscored Taiwan’s democratic values.

Among this year’s attendees was Chen I-cheng (陳奕正), the first-ever participant from Alaska, who highlighted the strong pro-Taiwan stance of Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan. After an eight-hour flight, Chen said his motivation was simple: he cares about Taiwan’s right to self-determination.

Founded in Los Angeles in 1982, FAPA has more than 40 chapters and 2,700 members. Its grassroots advocates engage lawmakers while Washington staff work to keep Taiwan a bipartisan priority in Congress.