Michael J. Fonte conferred 2nd Class Order of Brilliant Star by president

Michael J. Fonte conferred 2nd Class Order of Brilliant Star by president

2026-05-06

Michael Fonte, former Director of the DPP’s Mission in the US, was conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon by the president on Wednesday. In remarks, President Lai Ching-te expressed gratitude for Fonte’s decades-long allyship with Taiwan’s democracy activists, and for gaining the US government’s support for Taiwan. Fonte arrived in Taiwan in 1976, served as missionary in rural townships and learned to speak fluent Taigi. Fonte stated that Taiwan must remain resilient in the face of continued threats from China.

President Lai Ching-te confers the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to Michael Fonte, former Director of the DPP’s Mission in the US. The president is filled with gratitude for Fonte’s efforts in promoting Taiwan-US relations.

Lai Ching-te
President
He speaks Taigi, so I will be delivering my remarks in Taigi. I’d like to express my gratitude to Mr. Michael Fonte, whom we know so well as Mike, for his selfless contributions for Taiwan’s democracy through concrete action throughout the years, for his painstaking management and dedication for Taiwan-US relations.

Fonte arrived in Taiwan in 1976 after graduating from seminary. Throughout the years, he’s served in several rural townships and acquired fluent Taigi. He was also an ally of Taiwan’s democracy activists. After returning to the US, he continued to support Taiwan’s democratization and continued to work with activists, including victims of the Kaohsiung Incident. He also lobbied for Taiwan at the US Congress.

Lai Ching-te
President
Mike always says that Taiwan stole his heart, leading to a profound connection with Taiwan, so much so that he’ll never be separated from Taiwan. Thanks to Mike’s lobbying, Taiwan’s international status received rock-solid support from the US in times of uncertainty. Mike has always stood alongside the people of Taiwan in the face of challenges.

Michael J. Fonte
Former Director of DPP in the US
The world needs to hear this story, this wonderful story, and support Taiwan, as Taiwan continues now in the face of continued threats from China. I’m deeply honored to have a small part—just a teeny bit [in Taigi]—of this journey. Thanks to all of you for your companionship as we move through this time. Challenges remain. We must all remain resilient and keep up with this good fight. Long live Taiwan democracy [in Taigi]!

Fonte’s decades-long dedication to Taiwan is officially honored with this award.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#taiwan #taiwanusrelations #dpp #immigrantstory #democracy

表揚彭光理對台灣民主貢獻賴總統授"大綬景星勳章"

2026-05-06

前民進黨駐美代表處主任彭光理，接受總統賴清德頒發"大綬景星勳章"，感謝他對台灣民主貢獻，總統特別提到因為有彭光理的大力奔走、台灣的國際地位在風雨飄搖時也能獲美國政府堅定支持；而彭光理不只現場用台語說謝謝台灣，更強調台灣面臨中國的挑戰、但要用韌性打出漂亮的一仗。

總統賴清德頒發"大綬景星勳章"，給民進黨前駐美代表處主任彭光理，對這位"永遠的台灣阿北"、感激之情、溢於言表。

[[總統賴清德]]
“他(彭光理)是講台語的，所以今天我的致詞就用台語致詞，感謝彭光理先生，也是我們熟悉的Michael(Mike) ，長年以具體的行動，對台灣民主無私貢獻，對台美關係用心經營與付出”

1967年，彭光理神學院畢業後來台，踏遍台灣每一塊土地，還學會說道地台語。積極推動台灣民主化、更在美國接待美麗島事件的政治受難者，多年來為台灣民主在美國國會發聲。

[[總統賴清德]]
“Mike也常在說，他說台灣偷走他的心，讓他和台灣結下不解之緣，這輩子永遠都沒辦法和台灣分開，因為Mike的大力奔走，台灣的國際地位，風雨飄搖時，能獲得美國政府堅定的支持，面對各種挑戰，Mike都和台灣人並肩同行”

[[民進黨前駐美代表處主任彭光理]]
“世界需要聽見這些故事，臺灣這片土地的故事，當前臺灣人繼續面臨中國持續的威脅，世界更應該給予堅定支持，我非常榮幸可以擔任成為這個旅程一小部分，一小小部分，非常感謝各位一路相伴，未來我們將面臨持續挑戰，但要一同維持韌性，然後打出很漂亮的一戰，台灣民主萬歲”

彭光理為台灣這片土地所付出的一切，留下不可某抹滅的痕跡。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

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To cool off on this hot day, an enormous pig lies down at the entrance to a store. When it’s too hot for humans, it’s also too hot for pigs. She chose this spot to enjoy the free AC.

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- It’s certainly unique. I’ve never seen anyone keep a pig this large before.

People usually hurry along, but as soon as they see the pig, they stop in their tracks and give way, usually taking out their phone to take a picture. The owner said she’s already become somewhat of a celebrity as people post about her online.

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You’ve seen people walking their pets, but have you ever seen someone walking a pig this large before? You can usually spot her around Taipei’s Zhongshan and Datong districts. Whenever she goes out, she becomes the center of attention.

Wherever she goes, crowds follow her like a neighborhood celebrity. She’s even stubborn with her owner. Our reporter jumped at the chance to try walking her herself.

This was a first for the reporter! Good thing the pig was well behaved. Walking a 130-kilogram animal definitely takes some skill.

The pig is named Milk Tea. She’s a three-and-a-half year old musk pig, a breed commonly known as a “mini pig.” But don’t be fooled into thinking they’ll stay small forever. If they keep eating, they can grow to be as big as Milk Tea.

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When I was working, I saw some little piglets being sold on the street, so I bought one.

Mr. Lin takes good care of her, bathing her every day and taking her for walks. Milk Tea even knows her way around Zhongshan, and can easily find her way home. She can even climb the stairs at the apartment.

- On the weekends we walk five hours. Two hours on weekdays.

Milk Tea goes for walks every day, so next time you’re out and about, keep your eyes peeled for this adorable porcine celebrity of Zhongshan.

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It’s easy to use, and there are lots of payment methods. The taste also isn’t bad. Really flavorful. Compared to what you’d get elsewhere, it’s actually pretty good.

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As skyrocketing fuel costs continue to push ticket prices higher, more travelers are likely to opt for red-eye flights, meaning that late-night airport dining is bound to become an even more lucrative business.

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