Representative Ed Royce: Making Connections with Asian-American Communities

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Do you want to know what gets me out of bed in the morning? Knowing that someone, somewhere in Southern California, who desperately needs a job to support their family, just had their prayers answered. They may not know it yet… but business leaders that I met with recently in South Korea and Taiwan announced thousands of jobs will be coming to Southern California. Promoting economic prosperity is at the top of my agenda, and I know that the cross-border movement of goods and services is vital to the long-term health of the American economy. That’s why I recently led a bipartisan delegation to South Korea and Taiwan to expand U.S. trade opportunities and establish new partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region. America has a great friend in South Korea and Taiwan, and our continued partnership is vital to the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula. As Kim Jong Un’s threats grow, we must strengthen the bonds between our two countries – including trade that provides good jobs for both Americans and South Koreans. Keep scrolling below to see pictures from my trip and to read more about the new job opportunities coming our way...  KOREAN-BASED CJ GROUP & SPC GROUP ANNOUNCE JOBS COMING TO CALIFORNIA  Rep. Royce and Rep. Ami Bera (CA-07) meeting with Chairman of CJ Group  Sohn Kyung-Shik (pictured center) in Seoul, South Korea. During my visit to Seoul South Korea, I met with leaders from CJ Group and SPC Group. Both companies have announced plans to expand investment in the United States—including right here in the 39th district! The announcement by CJ Group includes: Investment of approximately $5 million in 2018 to expand food manufacturing operations at its facility in Fullerton, California, which will lead to an estimated 30 new jobs. Investment over the next two years of approximately $90 million to construct a ready-meal manufacturing plant in Southern California, which will lead to an estimated 200 new jobs. SPC Group Chairman Hur Young-in (pictured below) announced that the company is planning to increase the number of Paris Baguette stores in the U.S. to 300 by 2020 creating up to 10,000 new jobs. Click HERE to learn more.  Rep. Royce meeting with Chairman of SPC Group Hur Young-in (pictured center). STRENGTHENING U.S.-TAIWAN PARTNERSHIP WITH TAOYUAN MAYOR CHENG WEN-TSAN   Rep. Royce and members of the U.S. delegation met with the Mayor of Taoyuan, Cheng Wen-tsan (pictured third from left), and China Airlines Chairman Ho Nuan-hsuan (pictured far right). During my first day in Taiwan, I met with the Mayor of Taoyuan, Cheng Wen-tsan, to discuss economic opportunities for both Americans and Taiwanese. I am grateful to Mayor Cheng for extending such a warm welcome to the U.S. delegation. As Taiwan’s gateway to the world, I know that Mayor Cheng understands the importance of the free flow of tourism, goods, and services.  I look forward to growing the U.S.-Taiwan economic partnership -- it is a win-win for both American and Taiwanese businesses. Click HERE to learn more. 85C BAKERY CAFE INCREASING BUSINESS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA  Rep. Royce meeting with Henry Cheng, Acting Chairman and CEO of 85℃USA Division. Taiwan continues to invest substantially in Southern California. 85C is a thriving business that has, introduced Taiwanese-style bakery products to a mainstream audience. They have created roughly 1,000 jobs throughout the 39th Congressional district.The success of 85C is a phenomenon that has swept the country and I’m thrilled to learn that they plan to continue growing and providing more job opportunities in California.Click HERE to learn more. CHINA AIRLINES ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM TAIWAN-CALIFORNIA  Rep. Royce and Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan seated in a China Airlines simulator. Since Taiwan was granted visa waiver status--something I championed--travel between our two countries has increased by fifty percent.  The demand for direct flights from Taiwan to Southern California, not only for family and friends to visit one another but also for business opportunities, is high. That is why I have been working to secure direct flights from Taoyuan to Ontario for some time. There is no question, Taiwanese entrepreneurs are contributing to jobs and economic growth in Southern California. That is why China Airlines’ recent announcement to evaluate the launch of direct flights from Taoyuan, Taiwan to Ontario, California is welcome news.  And I hope it leads to more trade and investment opportunities for both the U.S. and Taiwan. Click HERE to learn more about this exciting announcement.  As always, you can follow everything I am working on in California and Washington, D.C. through my website (http://royce.house.gov) on Twitter @RepEdRoyce, through Facebook at Rep. Ed Royce, or on Instagram at RepEdRoyce. Sincerley, Representative Ed Royce

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MassResistance Joins Tawain's Pro-Family Forces to Support Natural Marriage and Family

Taiwan’s state-run news agency cites MassResistance helping educate people on dangers of “gay marriage” -- as bill passes initial hurdle in national legislature

Thousands of pro-family people protest across Taiwan

We’re letting people know what really happens!

December 27, 2016

Protests against "gay marriage" filled the streets of Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. and other cities across the country on Dec. 3.

Several weeks ago Taiwan’s national legislature introduced a “gay marriage” bill, causing upheaval and protests in that country. Taiwan would become the first Asian nation to make “gay marriage” legal. As the politicians move closer to pushing it into law, pro-family groups are working to mobilize people and help them understand what negative consequences it will bring.

On Christmas Eve, the country’s state-run news agency, Central News Agency Taiwan, published an article about how MassResistance is helping educate people on its ramifications for society, through our video, “What ‘gay marriage’ did to Massachusetts” along with our booklet, both of which have been translated into Chinese.

Our point man with Taiwan has been Arthur Christopher Schaper, head of California MassResistance, who has been working tirelessly with Taiwanese activists, expatriates in the US, and others to get the word out.

News report from Central News Agency Taiwan on MassResistance: (Note that references in article to MassResistance, Arthur, and Brian Camenker are also written in English.)



English translation of article (via Google's translation service):

“Gay marriage” gaining steam in Taiwan -- after years of failing

For years the international LGBT movement has tried to push “gay marriage” into Taiwan. But the ruling Kuomintang Party, which has ruled Taiwan since WWII, thwarted it. This year the opposition left-wing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was voted into power for the first time.

In October the DPP drafted a “gay marriage” bill in the national legislature. The party leaders publicly voiced strong support for the bill. According to reports, several Kuomintang Party members are also now in favor of it.

Pro-family outrage across the country grew quickly. On Nov. 17, twenty thousand people protested in Taipei outside of the legislature for six hours.

But that didn’t stop the DPP from moving forward with it. They held two limited public hearings, on Nov. 25 and 29, where only a limited number of “experts” from both sides were invited to testify.

At the second hearing as reported in LifeSiteNews, a university professor brought up the health risks of sodomy. Subsequently, the government health ministry issued a statement claiming that homosexual sex is not innately unhealthy, but that AIDS and similar diseases were caused by “unsafe sex”.

The outrage continued to grow. On Dec. 3, there were massive demonstrations across the country, with 150,000 marching in Taipei and 80,000 in other cities, according to news reports. It was an unprecedented outpouring for a “social” issue.

Flooding the streets of Taipei with outraged "gay marriage" protesters.

Catholic priests were out in front, and spoke before the crowd.

Much of the outrage by pro-family groups, according to reports, is also fueled by the heavily LGBT-laced sex-ed curriculum in schools.

On Monday, Dec. 26, the bill passed a the first of a three-step process in the legislature – as dozens of angry pro-family protesters demonstrated outside. The second and third steps will likely take place in early to mid-2017, as various amendments to the bill are evaluated.  The Taiwanese legislature ends its session at the end of December, and then resumes in February through the end of May.

Powerful tools to inform people around the world

MassResistance’s video and booklet on “What ‘gay marriage’ did to Massachusetts” have become powerful tools to inform people about what really happens over time when “gay marriage” is forced on a society. They have been translated into several languages and used around the world.

MassResistance VIDEO - Chinese language version:

MassResistance booklet: English-language version (left) and Chinese version.

We are also encouraging people to read our new book The Health Hazards of Homosexuality: What the Medical and Psychological Research Reveals. Most people are almost completely unaware of this very important part of the issue.

MassResistance gets involved!

Soon after the bill was filed, Arthur Schaper was contacted by a reporter from Taiwan for a comment about the upheaval there over “gay marriage.” Arthur realized that MassResistance needed to get involved and take action.

Arthur reached out to a representative of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), who was located in California. A month earlier, she had invited Arthur to a DPP celebration dinner in Monterey Park, CA, which was to take place on Nov. 11.

Arthur implored her to help stop the “gay marriage” push. But she said that she supports gay marriage – as long as they don’t allow men to go into women’s bathrooms. Arthur explained that the homosexual agenda won’t stop at just “gay marriage", but that the “transgender” bathroom agenda is always their next goal. Arthur gave her the MassResistance video to watch.

At the DPP dinner on Nov. 11, Arthur did not discuss the “gay marriage” issue, which the DPP and most of the people at the dinner support. Instead,  he connected with other people who could be helpful down the road fighting this issue. In particular, Arthur talked with two prominent Republicans there: U.S. Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA), who is Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and San Marino City Councilman Steve Huang.

Delegation from Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) pose anong with a few local politicians at DPP dinner.

Arthur Schaper of California MassResistance (right) with Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, at DPP dinner.

Arthur Schaper with San Marino City Councilman Steve Huang, a Republican.

The next thing Arthur did was try to meet with members of the local Taiwanese community, as well as others with ties to Taiwan.

Arthur visited several Taiwanese Christian churches in the Los Angeles area. He spoke to people there about the “gay marriage” push in Taiwan, and  asked what they have been hearing from friends and relatives in Taiwan.

Arthur Schaper visited every Tiawanese church in the area he could find.

Arthur then began corresponding with Fr. Otfried Chan, a Catholic priest who is the secretary of the Chinese Regional Bishops Conference in Taiwan and is involved with organizing thousands of protesters. Although there are many Buddhist and other religious groups in Taiwan, it is the Christians who are leading the opposition to the “gay marriage” bill there.

Fr. Chan told ABC News in Australia that he expects pro-marriage activists and even legislators to disrupt the legislative process, if necessary! He's said he's very pleased to be working with Arthur and MassResistance.

Contacting members of the Taiwan legislature

Just to make sure that the MassResistance information gets through, Arthur has been contacting each member of the Taiwanese legislature through their Facebook pages and personal accounts – in Chinese! His message gets right to the point about the LGBT agenda and ends with a link to the video on “What ‘gay marriage’ did to Massachusetts.”

Arthur Schaper's message to members of the Tiawanese legislature:

Arthur plans an even bigger push to legislators starting again in February.

And more work ahead

Unfortunately, there are pitfalls for our side in this battle that must be avoided at all costs.

As we’ve seen here in the US, pro-family groups that are inexperienced in the “gay marriage” struggle have a tendency to want to compromise on the issue, hoping that it will mollify the LGBT lobby.

We’ve been seeing media reports that some of the Taiwanese pro-family groups are calling for a “special status” of same-sex partnerships to be created – such as civil unions or domestic partnerships – instead of giving up the word “marriage.”

This is the road to hell, as they say. It simply doesn’t work. Arthur is doing his best to warn the Taiwanese about this, in the strongest possible terms.

In every situation we’ve seen so far, once the LGBT lobby gets civil unions or domestic partnerships, they simply use it as a stepping stone and leverage it to what they really wanted all along – changing the definition of marriage.

Another thing we’re seeing in Taiwan: pro-family people want to avoid criticizing LGBT behavior as being destructive or immoral. In effect, they accept the opposition’s position that it’s “just another way to love someone.” So instead our people use less provocative and weaker arguments. That was tried over and over again here in the U.S. It tends to make the LGBT movement even more bolder and aggressive than they otherwise would be.

The Taiwanese people have a few months before the legislature votes on this again. MassResistance will continue to do what we can to help them win this battle!

My Dinner with Ed Royce at the DPP Celebration

Ed Chen, a legislative assistant and campaigner who helped Ling Ling Chang hold onto State Senate District 29, explained to me more information about the Taiwanese community, and much of the work which Congressman Royce has been doing for the region.

I was really impressed.

I had no idea how much has been going on in this area.

It was really impressive knowing that there are still Republicans working the precincts and making inroads to different ethnic communities.

I believe that Republicans need to double down on their outreach to Asian communities, since there are so many shared values, especially in terms of their deep distrust of large government.

Throughout the celebration, Councilman Huang translated key comments during the event.

I will write about what I learned later.

For now, I want to share the welcome exchange I had with Congressman Royce before he left for the evening.

I was really excited about Trump's win that past week.

Royce was on board with Trump, but his first choice was Marco Rubio.

Understandable. Republicans had a wide, deep bench to choose from, and we still do in the next four to eight years to come!

I had to press the Congressman on key issues.

First, he told me that he was not sure what to expect. He had not met with President-elect Trump yet. He had spoken with one ofhis son-in-laws, and they are getting ready to put forward a strong pro-Israel platform.

National security for the Jewish State is vital, and the increase hostility against Christians needs to be taken care of.

He is very interested in helping to get Congressman Dana Rohrabacher's bill out of Committee and out for a floor vote, too!

The second question: what is going to happen with Obamacare?

Royce was succinct and direct: "Repeal It!"

AWESOME! 

The House GOP Conference is on their way to getting rid of that terrible law which has ruined our healthcare system in the United States. With Obamacare repealed, there will be next to nothing left of the Obama legacy besides his insipid apology tour, the budget-busting national debt, 

I am so glad to see Obama go!

Last question:

"What happened here in California? How do we fix this?

I enjoyed his response:

"By doing what you are doing here. Reaching out to different communities, sharing out message. Just being there!"

I really appreciated his warmth and respect.

He took the time to explain why he had added an amendment to my question.

He was will to talk to me about key issues of concern. Even though he was in a hurry, he took a little extra time to speak with me,

This was AWESOME!

When I asked for documentation about the work he is doing on the Foreign Relations Committee,  I received an email the next day!

INCREDIBLE!

So glad for the opportunity to meet with one of the most vocal representatives of the Taiwanese community and who is actively working to strengthen American prestige and  might around the world!

Rep. Ed Royce at DPP Celebration: Informed, Engaged, and Respectful

In contrast to Congresswoman Judy Chu, Ed Royce approached the podium with a lot of warmth and strength.

He greeted the entire room in Chinese.

Everyone responded very happily.

He talked about his role as Chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee.

He strongly asserted the common interests of the two countries.

Unlike Congresswoman Chu, he demonstrated a clear understanding of what is going on in the world.

Here are his remarks to the entire delegation:

The crowd erupted in strong support for his remarks.

Later in the meeting, one of the party board members offered to take questions from the audience.

I was the second person to raise my hand.

I knew that this question would stir some upset, but I was not afraid to ask the following questions:

1. What is the biggest issue that you want President Trump to be aware of?

2. Did you have a favorite in the United States' Presidential election?

There was a murmur in the audience.

Then Congressman Royce leapt up, and offered an amendment to my question:

At first I was a little offended.

I felt that he was trying to take away my uestion.

(More on that in a minute).

The DPP Board member answers my first uestion. 

The biggest concern for the new party in power ... is to ensure that military sales and euipment provisions continue.

The worst case scenario for American interests in the South China Sea would be if Communist China targeted, then took over Taiwan, and the United States military would not have the armed power to fight back.

China has been asserting more territorial interest throughout the region, and even fight with Japan over a few islands south of that nation.

As for the second uestion -- it was pretty clear that some of the staffers with the DPP delegation motioning to him about something.

DPP Board Member took questions from the audience

The interpreter standing next to the board member translated my question, and the answer I received about which candidate they favored to be President of the United States ...

"Come with me to Taiwan, and when we go into a dark room, and close the door, then I will tell you the candidate I wanted to see win the Presidency!"

Everyone in the room laughed, and Congressman Royce even indicated to me that my question was a good one to ask.

"That is the politically correct answer!" the interpret replied.

That was really funny.

Then the next that happened really impressed me.

Congressman Ed Royce came up to me and explained why he had cheerfully added an amendment to my uestion.

Apparently, the Obama Administration had intervened in the Taiwanese presidential elections, too, and any sentiment which suggested that they would try to do the same would have offended or alarmed anyone.

I cannot believe how destructive and inter-meddling Barack Obama has been all over the world.

He tried to have Benjamin Netanyahu thrown out of office in Israel.

He forced Justin Trudeau into power in Canada.

Then he sides with the long-standing Kuomintang dictatorship in Taiwan?!

Shameful!

Shameful indeed!

Royce was very supportive and respectful, too.

I later learned that Congressman Royce and the Republicans in Washington have been working closely  with the DPP,  Even though they are a left-leaning party, there is a lot of opportunity to bring them toward the center, and embrace free markets and free enterprise, limited government and individual liberty.

Later, I noticed how Congressman Royce worked the rooms, greeting all kinds of people. He had opted to stay for the greater part of the evening, while Judy Chu had left earlier.

Nota Bene: Royce does not even represent Monterey Park! He showed more constituent service and connection that their own Congresswoman!

Rep. Judy Chu at DPP Celebration: Awkward, Uninformed, and a Little Disrespectful

Showing up at the DPP event, I was strangely surprised to see Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-Pasadena).

I was invited to attend as the President of the Beach Cities Republicans, and representing on behalf of Republicans. Another activist, volunteer, and well-connected Republican named Ed Chen had attended. So did Congressman Ed Royce.

At first, I had intimated that this meeting would be a gathering of Republicans.

I learned more quickly what was happening. We were celebrating the Democratic Progressive Party's victory as the opposition party in Taiwan.

Even though they are a left-wing party (UGH!), they are pro-Independence and pro-America.

They are stressing their opposition to China, while the previous party in power (KMT) wanted to form closer ties with Communist Beijing.

For his reason, DPP can be a strong ally with the United States.

Congresswoman Chu took to the podium to extol the DPP.

It looked as if she was completely unprepared, and had very little of substance to share:

She read off the pamphlet provided for everyone  at the meeting.

She also voiced her displeasure about the outcome of Election 2016.

I found that common particularly offensive.

She is a hard-core liberal. One would think that she felt at home in the room with this party.

I have been a vocal critic of Chu.

She was hammered by unanimous decision by the House Ethics Committee.

She is one of the least effective Congressional representatives in Washington DC.

While she claims to champion small business owners she has helped drive many small and willing entrepreneurs into closure because of high taxes and regulations, along with Obamacare.

How can any Democrat claim to be pro-business, pro-growth, or pro-worker when their standard-bearer candidate openly declared: "I am going to put a lot o coal workers out of work"?!

It was interesting to sit right across from the Congresswoman. I could tell she was visibly uncomfortable.

What also struck me about this meeting--the DPP is celebrating their election victory--that their Party leader is now President, after years of Kuomintang rule in Tawain.

Their freedoms are expanding, while our freedoms in the United States are under attack!

How sad. We now have to learn from other countries how to restore our liberty in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!

Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan: Final Celebration

One week before Election Day, I received contact from Wendy Yang, a Taiwanese ambassador to the United States.

She was working with the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan, and was particularly interested in connecting her team with political people in California.

The Taiwanese group were keen on learning about American politics.

I warmly accepted the invitation. They had reached out to Assemblyman David Hadley, too.

I was not sure what to expect, because at the time, I only knew that my host was from Taiwan and wanted to learn more about the United States political system.

When I arrived, I was surprised to see ... Judy Chu (D-Pasadena)!

Can you say "Awkward"?

It was actually a prime example of how activist consevatives who can make a difference and put pressure on their elected officials by seeking office in local clubs.

How many activists would gotten a front-row seat like this?

I saw other notable figures at this event, too!

Congressman Ed Royce (R-Brea)

San Marino City Councilman Steve Huang (a Republican who voted for TRUMP!)

Here is the delegation for the Taiwanese Democratic Progressive Party:

It was a wonderful evening!

I am so glad that I was invited!