In an era when global connections are increasingly vital, a long-overdue sister-city relationship between Washington, DC, and Taipei would serve as a beacon of international friendship and cooperation.  Yesterday’s announcement that the Taiwanese chip giant has invested $100 billion in US manufacturing over four years only demonstrates the power of people to people and one community to another.   In May 2024 and then Senator Marco Rubio implored Mayor Muriel Bowser, stating that “though it might seem a small and largely symbolic step, establishing sister-city ties would go a long way in demonstrating that the people of the United States, and Washington, D.C. in particular, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those in Taiwan.” 

The Sister City program is more than just a symbolic connection.   It brings real opportunities for cultural enrichment and economic growth. Over the past several years, Taipei and Washington, D.C., have shared best practices in education and technology. Art exhibitions, student exchange programs, and discussions on urban sustainability, housing, and collaboration have enriched both cities ' communities. 

Taipei's tech-forward economy offers valuable lessons for Washington, D.C., as it seeks to bolster innovation and entrepreneurship. Conversely, D.C.’s rich cultural heritage gives Taipei unique insights into global cultural diplomacy. These people-to-people exchanges create a win-win dynamic, strengthening the fabric of both cities. 

Moreover, the relationship symbolizes a commitment to both cities' values: resilience and progress. At a time when global challenges require collective solutions, this sister city bond would prove that cities, as local leaders, can drive impactful change on the world stage.  On a recent visit to Taipei, DC, City Council Member Robert White said that one of the most striking differences between the city of Washington, DC, and Taipei is using open-source data to track and manage housing inventory. “In Taipei, they have real-time data on the number of vacant units and those coming onto the market across the entire city,” said Councilmember White. 

As citizens, we celebrate this connection and advocate for deeper engagement. Whether through new trade initiatives, expanded cultural programs, or grassroots collaborations, the potential for growth and goodwill is boundless. A sister-city relationship between the cities of Washington, DC, and Taipei reminds us that, despite our geographic distances, our aspirations and humanity unite us. 

For further information: 
Dr. Christine Warnke 
202-549-054