09 - September 11, 2025 - Update on the Renewed Friendship City Organizations
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
Date: September 11, 2025
To: Cupertino City Council
From: Kirsten Squarcia, Interim Deputy City Manager
Re: Update on the Renewed Friendship City Organizations
Background
The City Council established its Friendship City program in September 2016. Although
less formal than a Sister City relationship, a Friendship City relationship is an additional
way to foster cultural exchange at a local level.
The Friendship City relationships between Cupertino and the affiliate cities are
coordinated and managed by local committees comprised of community members.
These committees manage program activities, maintain communication with the affiliate
city, coordinate delegation visits, and work with a Cupertino Councilmember sponsor.
Each Friendship City relationship is established for a two-year period. In 2023, the City
approved the following Friendship City relationships, set to expire in 2025:
• New Taipei City, Taiwan
• Taichung, Taiwan
• Tongxiang, People’s Republic of China
• Xianning, People’s Republic of China
In May, the City Manager’s Office developed a Friendship City Renewal Submission
Form (Attachment A) to consistently and efficiently collect the necessary renewal
documentation, as outlined in the Sister City and Friendship City policy (Attachment B).
The four Friendship Cities submitted their completed renewal forms, which are included
as Attachments C, D, E, and F. All four Friendship City relationships are now renewed
for another two years until 2027.
Sustainability Impact
None.
Fiscal Impact
The Sister and Friendship City policy (Attachment A) states that Friendship Cities are
not eligible for City funding. Therefore, staff time is the only expense from the general
fund involved to facilitate the Friendship City program, which is estimated at about 30
hours for FY 24-25.
_____________________________________
Prepared by: Andy Schramm, Administrative Assistant
Reviewed by: Astrid Robles, Senior Management Analyst
Michael Woo, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved for Submission by: Tina Kapoor, Interim City Manager
Attachments:
A –Friendship City Renewal Submission Form
B – Sister and Friendship City Policy
C – New Taipei City Renewal Form
D – Taichung Renewal Form
E – Tongxiang Renewal Form
F – Xianning Renewal Form
Organization Name:
Public Charity
Private Foundation
Private Operatin Foundation
Employer Identification Number (EIN):
Friendship Cities must establish a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization
before participating in the travel program
If your Organization has 501(c)(3) exempt status, please
select your Organization's 501(c)(3) structure:
If your Organization has 501(c)(3) exempt status, please
provide your Organization's Employer Identification Number
(EIN):
Please include/attach an Intent to Renew letter
from a Friendship City official on official letterhead.
CUPERTINO FRIENDSHIP CITY RENEWAL SUBMISSION FORM
Does your Organization have 501(c)(3) exempt
status?Yes No
During the past two years has your Organization
maintained communication with its affiliate
Friendship City to ensure the counterpart is equally
committed to the program?
Yes No
Please provide a summary of Friendship City delegation visits to Cupertino hosted by
the Committee over the last two years:
Please include a summary of Cupertino delegation visits hosted by the Friendship City:
Please provide a description of activities held and outcomes:
Please describe how the relationship has been mutually beneficial for Cupertino and
the Friendship community:
Please provide an updated profile of the Friendship City Committee:
• Description of activities held and outcomes
• An updated profile of the Friendship City Committee
Date
How the relationship has been mutually beneficial
for Cupertino and the Friendship community•
Intent to renew letter from Friendship City official on
official letterhead (provide an attachment)•
Our Organization, ________________________________________________, has reviewed and
understands the "Policies and Guidelines on Sister Cities, Friendship Cities, and
International Delegations for the City of Cupertino."
Our Organization, ________________________________________________, has submitted
and understands the following eligibility requirements and annual submittals:
Friendship City Organization representative name
Signature
Summary of Friendship City delegation visits to
Cupertino hosted by the Committee over the last
two years
•
•Summary of Cupertino delegation visits hosted by
Friendship City
POLICIES AND
GUIDELINES ON SISTER
CITIES, FRIENDSHIP CITIES,
AND INTERNATIONAL
DELEGATIONS FOR THE
CITY OF CUPERTINO
Citywide Policy Manual
Policy #
Attachments:
Effective Date:
October 10, 2023
Responsible Department:
City Manager’s Office
Related Policies & Notes:
Prior versions: 2005, 2013, 2016, 2018
Background:
Cupertino has four active Sister Cities registered with Sister Cities International; the
cities of Toyokawa, Japan; Hsinchu, Taiwan; Copertino, Italy; and Bhubaneswar, India.
In addition, Cupertino has established several Friendship City relationships and attracts
many international delegations for cultural, educational, business, and economic
development reasons.
SISTER CITIES
Intent of Sister City Affiliations:
The City recognizes the value of developing people-to-people contacts as a way to
further international communication and understanding. Sister City partnerships have
proved very successful in fostering educational, technical, economic and cultural
exchanges.
Sister City relationships are effective only when organizations of interested residents in
one community work with interested residents in another city to promote
communication and understanding among people of different cultures.
The ideal affiliation should involve a large number of citizens and organizations in both
cities, engaging in exchanges of people, ideas and cultures on a long-term, continuing
basis.
The City intends to provide limited financial support to those Sister City Committees
that operate student exchange programs. Those Sister City organizations which do not
operate student exchange programs shall be completely financially independent from
the City, except for limited City facility use.
Definitions
City-Supported Committees: Sister City Committees with a student delegation are considered
City-Supported Committees.
Non-City-Supported Committees: Sister City Committees without a student delegation are
considered Non-City-Supported Committees.
Sister City Citizen Committee Responsibilities (Receiving City Support):
• Identify, manage, coordinate and implement all activities related to the Sister
City Program.
• Establish a formal, incorporated 501(c)(3) structure, with officers and
subcommittees.
• Solicit donations and in-kind contributions from the local community as
appropriate.
• Maintain communication with the affiliate Sister City Committee, ensuring the
counterpart committee is equally committed to the program.
• Finance activities from fundraising efforts and resources other than public
funding, including all travel and program expenses, postage, fax, copying, and
printing costs for events in which the City is participating. This includes
fundraising or securing gifts for special celebrations, such as anniversaries.
• Prepare a detailed budget including funds raised through fundraising efforts and
public (City) funding for events and activities and keep track of expenses. The
budget should show funds available and should identify adequate, ongoing
funding sources for program activities.
• Work with City staff at least one month in advance in arranging official
promotional gifts and meetings for foreign delegations. For local groups
traveling abroad and bringing promotional gifts, similar notice is required,
unless waived by the City Manager.
• Meet the following eligibility requirements/annual submittals:
o Proof of 501(c)(3) status
o Detailed accounting of prior year actual revenue and expenses
o Summary of prior year activities
o Proposed budget plan
o Fundraising plan
Sister City Citizen Committee Responsibilities (Not Receiving City Support):
• Identify, manage, coordinate, and implement all activities related to the Sister
City Program.
• Establish a formal, incorporated 501(c)(3) structure, with officers and appropriate
functional sub committees.
• Solicit donations and in-kind contributions from the local community as
appropriate.
• Maintain communication with the affiliate Sister City Committee, ensuring the
counterpart committee is equally committed to the program.
City of Cupertino Responsibilities (With regard to City supported Sister City Committees):
Coordinated through the City Manager’s Office, the City will serve as a support for
programs and activities by:
• Providing for set-up and complimentary access to a large City facility for three
community events per Sister City per fiscal year. All cost of food, drinks, and
materials are the responsibility of the Sister City Committee.
• The City shall accept gifts from the Sister City, which will be considered the
property of the City and may be displayed at a City facility or offered to the
Sister City Committee at City’s discretion.
• The City will establish and maintain a written record of said gifts, regardless of
actual or perceived monetary value. The written gift log will include: donation
City, gift date, gift occasion (if applicable), and whether they are being offered to
the Sister City Committee.
• Providing up to $2,500 per year for a Sister City with a student exchange
program of 4 to 9 student delegates and up to $5,000 per year for a Sister City
with a student exchange program of 10 or more student delegates.
Coordinated through the City Manager's Office, the City will serve as a support for Sister
City programs and activities by:
• Providing access to postage, fax, copying and printing equipment to Sister City
Committee members for support of Sister City events in which the City is
participating. City staff is not responsible for preparing mailings or printed
materials.
• Providing the use of meeting room space (up to 18 per calendar year) at no cost to
the Sister City Committee for related activities. Meeting room space does not
include Cupertino Community Hall or the Quinlan Community Center’s
Cupertino Room.
• Providing City promotional gift items, when budget allows, typically given at
community events to government representatives and student delegations from
visiting countries. These include but are not limited to: branded t-shirts, pens,
reusable bags, and lapel pins. The cost of each promotional gift or gift bag shall
not exceed $25. Additional gifts presented to members of a Sister City delegation
are the responsibility of the Sister City Committee.
• Facilitating participation of City officials.
City of Cupertino Responsibilities (With regard to non-City supported Sister City
Committees):
• The City shall maintain registration with the Sister Cities International
organization.
• Provide the use of meeting room space (up to 4 per calendar year) at no cost to
the Sister City Committee for related activities. For additional meeting room
uses, non-City supported Sister City Committees shall be charged the facility use
resident rate on the rental of any City facility. Meeting room space does not
include Cupertino Community Hall or the Quinlan Community Center’s
Cupertino Room.
Travel and Program Expenses:
Program Expenses:
• The City Council will, as part of its annual budget adoption process, establish a
program budget for anticipated City supported Sister City program activities.
This budget will include up to $2,500 for a Sister City with a student exchange
program of 4 to 9 student delegates and up to $5,000 for a Sister City with a
student exchange program of 10 or more student delegates, as funds allow. The
City Council will consider funding for student delegations with less than four
students on a case-by-case basis. An additional $5,000 will be considered for adult
delegation visits every 5 years. This adopted budget, less the cost of the Sister
City membership fee, will be remitted to the Committee once an accounting of the
prior year's expenditures has been received and reviewed by the Finance
Department. These funds represent the City's sole monetary commitment each
fiscal year with the exception of the items listed above.
Travel Expenses:
• The City will pay for 50% of one trip per year for the Mayor or their designee,
provided the trip is in conjunction with an official delegation.
• All other Council travel for Sister City programs shall be funded by Sister City
Committee fundraising activities, when feasible, or by the individual traveling
councilmember, unless authorized in advance by the City Council.
New Affiliations:
To ensure that there is a broad base of community support for a global partnership, the
citizen committee responsible for implementing the Sister City program should include
at least 10 active Cupertino residents who are committed to making a new affiliation
successful.
No more than one Sister City relationship may be established in any given country.
Proposal Process
The new Sister City Committee will prepare and submit the following to the City of
Cupertino:
• Detailed demographic profile of the prospective city
• Application for a formal, incorporated 501(c)(3) structure, with officers and
appropriate subcommittees
• Documentation of broad-based community support, with a minimum of 10
members on the organizing committee
• A preliminary program plan outlining objectives and funding sources
If the City Council adopts a resolution establishing a new Sister City relationship, the
City shall register that new Sister City with Sister Cities International. If the proposed
new Sister City Committee desires to operate a student exchange program (with a
minimum of 4 student delegates and open to any school within the Cupertino Union
School District and/or Fremont Union High School District boundaries) and
demonstrates that it can meet its responsibilities as a City supported Sister City
Committee, the budget for the following year shall be adjusted, if approved by Council, to
provide for financial support.
Terminating a Sister City Affiliation
While regrettable, it is sometimes necessary for a city to terminate a Sister City
affiliation. Sister City affiliations are meant to be long-standing, official city linkages
that involve extensive community participation beyond government. For a variety of
reasons, a Sister City relationship may lose community interest and support, and
Cupertino or the Sister City may opt to terminate the Sister City relationship.
If a Sister City affiliation is inactive for a period of three years and there is a lack of
community support for the Sister City relationship to continue, the City may initiate the
process to terminate the Sister City affiliation with the Sister City and Sister Cities
International. Termination process resulting from inactivity shall be administered by the City
Manager or designee, who shall inform the partner Sister City of the decision through a written
letter. The City Manager’s Office will reach out to each Sister City Committee 60 days prior to
termination. City Manager’s Office shall also inform the Council of the termination through an
informational memo.
Definition of Inactivity
Sister Cities would be considered inactive if all of the following occur for three
consecutive years:
• No event or delegation visits organized.
• No log or record provided by the Sister City Committee to the City Manager’s
Office of correspondence maintained with the affiliate Sister City Committee.
• No correspondence between the City of Cupertino and the local Sister City
Committee.
FRIENDSHIP CITIES
Intent of Friendship City Affiliations:
The City recognizes the value of developing people-to-people contacts as a way to further
international communication and understanding. Friendship city partnerships can be
effective in fostering increased global cooperation and communication. Friendship cities
may be established, however, they will not be considered official Sister Cities and are not
eligible for City funding.
New Affiliations:
All proposed Friendship City relationships must have Councilmember or community
sponsorship and be approved by the City Council. The Friendship City will submit a
Friendship City application to the City of Cupertino, which requires sponsorship from a
Council Member and a citizen' s committee to ensure the new affiliation is successful. If
approved, the City will issue a signed Letter of Intent establishing the Friendship City
relationship.
A Friendship City affiliation will be effective for two years and may be renewed
administratively every two years.
Friendship City Committee Responsibilities:
• Identify, manage, coordinate and implement all activities related to the
Friendship City program.
• Maintain communication with the affiliate Friendship City, ensuring the
counterpart is equally committed.
• Work with City staff at least one month in advance in arranging official
promotional gifts and meetings for foreign delegations. For local groups
traveling abroad and bringing city gifts, similar notice is required, unless waived
by the City Manager.
City of Cupertino Responsibilities:
Coordinated through the City Manager’s Office, the City will:
• Issue a signed Letter of Intent establishing a new Friendship City relationship in
an effort to assist international delegation visits from the Friendship City.
• Provide City promotional items typically given at community events to
government representatives from visiting countries as the budget allows. These
may include, but are not limited to: City t-shirts, pens, reusable bags, and lapel
pins, to the extent there remains a budgeted amount to purchase such gifts and
promotional items.
• Facilitate meetings with City officials.
• Conduct tours of city facilities.
Travel and Program Expenses:
Friendship City travel and program expenses will be treated as those of international
delegations and will follow the guidelines outlined in this policy in the “Travel and Program
Expenses” section under “INTERNATIONAL DELEGATIONS.” Friendship Cities must
establish a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization before participating in the travel program.
Renewal of Friendship City Relationship
Friendship City renewals should be requested by an official of the Friendship City with
support of the Friendship City Committee. The Friendship City Committee should submit a
renewal application, which includes:
• Intent to renew letter from Friendship City official on official letterhead.
• Summary of Friendship City delegation visits to Cupertino hosted by the Committee
over the last two years.
• Summary of Cupertino delegation visits hosted by Friendship City.
• Description of activities held and outcomes.
• How the relationship has been mutually beneficial for Cupertino and the friendship
community.
• An updated profile of the Friendship City Committee.
Notification of the intent to renew the Friendship City relationship should be sent to the City
at least 60 days in advance to ensure sufficient time to process the renewal. Renewals will be
processed administratively through the City Manager’s Office. Friendship City committees
are not required to prepare a presentation for the City Council. However, Friendship City
committees may submit presentation materials to be included as part of the renewal process.
Terminating a Friendship City Affiliation:
A Friendship City affiliation will be effective for two years. After two years the Friendship City
affiliation will automatically expire unless renewed. Renewal requests after the expiration date
has passed will be considered at the City Manager’s discretion.
While regrettable, it is sometimes necessary for a city to terminate a Friendship City
affiliation prior to the end of the two-year term. For a variety of reasons, a Friendship City
relationship may no longer be mutually beneficial, and Cupertino or the Friendship City may
opt to terminate the Friendship City relationship by notifying the City Manager’s Office in
writing.
INTERNATIONAL DELEGATIONS
Intent of International Delegations:
The City recognizes the value of developing people-to-people contacts as a way to further
international communication and understanding.
Delegations must contact city staff at least 60 days in advance in arranging meetings,
unless waived by the City Manager.
Travel and Program Expenses:
Program Expenses -
The City Council will, as part of its annual budget adoption process, establish a program
budget for promotional items for delegations. Promotional gifts shall not exceed the cost of
$25 each.
Councilmembers on an official delegation visit to a Sister City or Friendship City typically
present a gift to the host city dignitary, such as the Mayor. This host-City dignitary gift
should not exceed $200.
Travel Expenses -
International travel shall be at the expense of the traveling Councilmember or any
accompanying staff member unless authorized in advance by the City Council.
City of Cupertino
June 13, 2025
s
10422 Colby Avenue
Cupertino, California
95014
United States of America
www.cupertinonewtaipei.org
Please accept the attached application for the renewal of the
Cupertino-New Taipei Friendship City Agreement.
Your consideration and approval will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Cupertino-New Taipei
Friendship City Association
Organization Name:
Public Charity
Private Foundation
Private Operatin Foundation
Employer Identification Number (EIN):
Friendship Cities must establish a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization
before participating in the travel program
If your Organization has 501(c)(3) exempt status, please
select your Organization's 501(c)(3) structure:
If your Organization has 501(c)(3) exempt status, please
provide your Organization's Employer Identification Number
(EIN):
Please include/attach an Intent to Renew letter
from a Friendship City official on official letterhead.
CUPERTINO FRIENDSHIP CITY RENEWAL SUBMISSION FORM
Does your Organization have 501(c)(3) exempt
status?Yes No
During the past two years has your Organization
maintained communication with its affiliate
Friendship City to ensure the counterpart is equally
committed to the program?
Yes No
Cupertino-New Taipei Friendship City Association
✔
✔
✔
87-4444578
Please provide a summary of Friendship City delegation visits to Cupertino hosted by
the Committee over the last two years:
Please include a summary of Cupertino delegation visits hosted by the Friendship City:
April 2023, New Taipei City Student Delegation visited Cupertino Union School District
middle school.
April 2024, New Taipei City Student Delegation visited Cupertino Union School Dstrict
middle school.
April 2023, Mayor's Delegation visited New Taipei City
June 2024, CUSD teacher visited New Taipei City schools
Please provide a description of activities held and outcomes:
Please describe how the relationship has been mutually beneficial for Cupertino and
the Friendship community:
Student Exchange Program.
The participants went to school for 4-5 days, visited local government agencies.
Students and chaperons learned from each other.
The mutual visits were just a beginning of a very long friendship and mutual learning
relationships.
International exchange programs foster meaningful people-to-people connections
that promotes global understanding, empathy, and collaboration. These programs
bring long-term value to participants and the broader community.
Key benefits:
Students gain cultural awareness, communication skills, and global friendship. The
experiences broaden their perspectives and inspire confidence and curiosity beyond
classroom.
Educators benefit from professional growth, curriculum enrichments, and cross-cultural
collaboration. They return with fresh ideas that make global learning come alive for
students who did not have the similar opportunities.
Exchanges strengthens international ties through public diplomacy and provide insights
into educational and civic practices abroad. They also showcase a commitment to
Please provide an updated profile of the Friendship City Committee:
• Description of activities held and outcomes
• An updated profile of the Friendship City Committee
Date
How the relationship has been mutually beneficial
for Cupertino and the Friendship community•
Intent to renew letter from Friendship City official on
official letterhead (provide an attachment)•
Our Organization, ________________________________________________, has reviewed and
understands the "Policies and Guidelines on Sister Cities, Friendship Cities, and
International Delegations for the City of Cupertino."
Our Organization, ________________________________________________, has submitted
and understands the following eligibility requirements and annual submittals:
Friendship City Organization representative name
Signature
Summary of Friendship City delegation visits to
Cupertino hosted by the Committee over the last
two years
•
•Summary of Cupertino delegation visits hosted by
Friendship City
New Taipei Coordinator: Katherine Tseng
Local School Activities: Katherine Tseng/CUSD
Local community activities: Mia Wong
Administration: Angela Chen
Cupertino-New Taipei Friendship City Association
Cupertino-New Taipei Friendship City Association
Angela Chen
June 12, 2025
July 3rd 2025
Mayor Liang-Fang “Liang”Chao
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
USA
Dear Mayor Chao,
Warm greetings from The Cupertino-Taichung Friendship Association.
On behalf of The Cupertino-Taichung Friendship Association, I am pleased to express our
sincere appreciation for the enduring friendship between Taichung, Taiwan and Cupertino.
Since the establishment of our Friendship City relationship, our two cities have engaged in
meaningful exchanges that have fostered greater mutual understanding and cooperation.
We highly value this special connection with the City of Cupertino and are committed to
continuing our collaboration in areas such as culture, education,business opportunities ,
and community development. In this spirit, we are pleased to formally propose the renewal
of the Bi-Annual Friendship City Agreement between our cities.
Enclosed is the proposed renewal document for your review and consideration. We hope to
ŘôÍƯĖŘıϙĺŪŘϙŜēÍŘôî èĺııĖťıôIJťϙÍIJîϙċŪŘťēôŘϙŜťŘôIJČťēôIJϙťēôϙæĺIJîŜϙťēÍťϙŪIJĖťôϙĺŪŘ
communities.
We look forward to your favorable response and to continuing this valued partnership in the
years ahead.
With warm regards and respect,
Sincerely,
Fangchun (Lillian) Tsai
The Cupertino-Taichung Friendship Association
Lilliant@yahoo.com
408-807-1177
Organization Name:
Public Charity
Private Foundation
Private Operatin Foundation
Employer Identification Number (EIN):
Friendship Cities must establish a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization
before participating in the travel program
If your Organization has 501(c)(3) exempt status, please
select your Organization's 501(c)(3) structure:
If your Organization has 501(c)(3) exempt status, please
provide your Organization's Employer Identification Number
(EIN):
Please include/attach an Intent to Renew letter
from a Friendship City official on official letterhead.
CUPERTINO FRIENDSHIP CITY RENEWAL SUBMISSION FORM
Does your Organization have 501(c)(3) exempt
status?Yes No
During the past two years has your Organization
maintained communication with its affiliate
Friendship City to ensure the counterpart is equally
committed to the program?
Yes No
Cupertino and Taichung Friendship Cities
✔
✔
✔
814414292
Please provide a summary of Friendship City delegation visits to Cupertino hosted by
the Committee over the last two years:
Please include a summary of Cupertino delegation visits hosted by the Friendship City:
On February6, 2023 Enhancing English Expression: Taiwanese and American Middle School
Students Exchange Jokes via Video Conference. this event aimed to improve students'
English and Chinese communication skills through humor; helped students understand
cultural differences in humor, boosting their confidence in language expression.
On July 25, 2024 (U.S. time), Taichung Deputy Mayor Huang Guo-Rong visited Cupertino,
California, to meet with Mayor Sheila Mohan. The visit marked the 8th anniversary of the
sister-city relationship between Taichung and Cupertino, aiming to deepen cooperation on
housing policies, education, culture, and carbon neutrality.
On November 8, 2024 Taichung City Education Bureau Promotes International Education:
Online Exchange Between Taiwanese and American High School Students on topic of
College Admissions. this event engaged in a bilingual Online seminar with students from high
schools in Cupertino, California. They discussed differences in college application processes
between Taiwan and the U.S. and explored strategies for academic and career planning
On July 30, 2023, Weini Liem, President of the Cupertino-Taichung Friendship Association, led a delegation to
participate in the Taiwanese & Chinese American Athletic Tournament of the San Francisco Bay Area. This
annual event serves as a platform for cultural exchange, athletic competition, and community engagement
among Taiwanese and Chinese American communities.
On October 7, 2023, Cupertino Mayor Hung Wei visited Taichung, Taiwan, marking her first official trip since
taking office. Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen welcomed her at Chi Cha San Chen, a well-known tea brand originating
from Taichung where the two leaders discussed strengthening education, cultural, and economic
cooperation between their cities, which have been sister cities since October 2016.
In December 2023, the Cupertino-Taichung Friendship Association collaborated with the Alzheimer’s
Association to host an educational event focused on raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. The event
featured a guest speaker, who provided valuable insights into the symptoms, prevention strategies, and
caregiving approaches for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s.
On April 3, 2024, Weini Liem, President of the Cupertino-Taichung Friendship Association, led a delegation to
meet with Taichung Deputy Mayor Huang Guo-Rong. The discussion focused on strengthening educational
collaboration between the two cities, particularly in student exchanges and bilingual education.
Please provide a description of activities held and outcomes:
Please describe how the relationship has been mutually beneficial for Cupertino and
the Friendship community:
1. Online Exchange Between Taiwanese and American High School Students on College Admissions
Held on November 8, 2024, this bilingual seminar connected high school students from Taichung, Taiwan, and Cupertino, California. They
discussed differences in college application processes between Taiwan and the U.S., sharing insights on academic and career planning. The
exchange helped students gain a broader perspective on international education opportunities.
2. Deputy Mayor Huang’s Visit to Cupertino & Support for Chi Cha San Chen
On July 25, 2024, Taichung Deputy Mayor Huang Guo-Rong visited Cupertino, California, to meet Mayor Sheila Mohan, marking the 8th
anniversary of their sister-city relationship. Discussions focused on housing policies, education, culture, and carbon neutrality. Huang also visited
Chi Cha San Chan, a Taichung-founded beverage brand, to support its global expansion and promotion of tea culture.
3. Weini Liem’s Visit to Deputy Mayor Huang to Strengthen Educational Exchanges.
On April 3, 2024, Weini Liem, President of the Cupertino-Taichung Friendship Association, led a delegation to meet Deputy Mayor Huang
Guo-Rong. The discussion centered on student exchanges and bilingual education. Huang expressed gratitude for Liem’s efforts in fostering
youth interactions, including virtual events during the pandemic. He reaffirmed Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen’s commitment to international
education.
4. Cupertino Mayor Hung Wei’s Visit to Taichung
On October 7, 2023, Cupertino Mayor Hung Wei visited Taichung, marking her first official trip since taking office. Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen welcomed
her at Chi Cha San Chen, where they discussed education, cultural, and economic cooperation. Mayor Lu highlighted Taichung’s economic
growth, attracting investments from Micron, Mitsui, and AU Optronics. Mayor Wei, originally from Taichung, expressed excitement about returning
and invited Mayor Lu to visit Cupertino.
5. Taiwanese and American Middle School Students Exchange Jokes via Video Conference
On February 6, 2023, middle school students from Taichung and Cupertino participated in a virtual joke-telling exchange to enhance English and
Chinese communication skills. Students from Zhi-Shan Junior High School and Shang-Shang Junior High School prepared jokes in English and
Mandarin, while Valley Christian School students shared jokes in Mandarin. The event helped students understand cultural differences in humor
and boosted their confidence in language expression1012.These events reflect the strong educational, cultural, and economic ties between
Taichung and Cupertino, fostering international collaboration and student
The partnership between Cupertino and Taichung has proven to be mutually beneficial in several ways, fostering educational, cultural,
economic, and community ties.
Benefits for Cupertino:
Educational Opportunities: Students in Cupertino have gained insights into Taiwan’s bilingual education efforts and have participated in student
exchanges, virtual collaborations, and cultural interactions. These experiences have helped improve language skills and broaden perspectives
on international education.
Economic Growth: Taichung’s success in global business expansion—including brands like Chi Cha San Chen—has introduced Taiwanese
entrepreneurship to Cupertino. Such cross-city collaborations can boost local economies and create new business opportunities.
Cultural Enrichment: Through exchanges, performances, and events, Cupertino residents have had the chance to experience Taiwanese
traditions, including food, arts, and tea culture.
Benefits for the Friendship Community:
Stronger International Networks: The Cupertino-Taichung Friendship Association has been instrumental in facilitating deeper connections
between residents, leaders, and students from both cities, making meaningful cultural and educational exchanges possible.
Language and Learning Initiatives: Events like the bilingual joke exchange have helped students enhance their English and Mandarin skills,
building confidence in cross-cultural communication.
Continued Collaboration: Ongoing diplomatic visits between city leaders have reaffirmed commitments to education, carbon neutrality, and
housing policies, strengthening the long-term sister-city relationship. These sustained interactions ensure Cupertino and Taichung remain deeply
connected, providing both cities with valuable resources, knowledge-sharing opportunities, and economic collaborations that support global
engagement.
Please provide an updated profile of the Friendship City Committee:
• Description of activities held and outcomes
• An updated profile of the Friendship City Committee
Date
How the relationship has been mutually beneficial
for Cupertino and the Friendship community•
Intent to renew letter from Friendship City official on
official letterhead (provide an attachment)•
Our Organization, ________________________________________________, has reviewed and
understands the "Policies and Guidelines on Sister Cities, Friendship Cities, and
International Delegations for the City of Cupertino."
Our Organization, ________________________________________________, has submitted
and understands the following eligibility requirements and annual submittals:
Friendship City Organization representative name
Signature
Summary of Friendship City delegation visits to
Cupertino hosted by the Committee over the last
two years
•
•Summary of Cupertino delegation visits hosted by
Friendship City
The Cupertino-Taichung Friendship Association is a vibrant community organization dedicated to strengthening ties
between Cupertino, California, and Taichung, Taiwan. Its membership comprises individuals who either reside in
Cupertino or have roots in Taiwan, fostering a rich cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
The association's leadership structure includes:
President (1)– Oversees the organization’s activities, represents the association in official capacities, and guides
strategic initiatives.
Vice President (1)– Supports the president and helps coordinate events and partnerships.
Secretary (1) – Manages communications, documentation, and administrative tasks.
Treasurer (1) – Oversees financial matters, ensuring responsible budgeting and transparency.
Board Members (7) – Provide guidance, propose initiatives, and support the association’s mission through active
participation.
Beyond its leadership team, the association boasts approximately 125 active members, many of whom either
currently live in Cupertino or originally hail from Taiwan. These members actively engage in cultural programs,
business networking, and educational activities that strengthen the bond between the two cities.
The Cupertino-Taichung Friendship Association
The Cupertino-Taichung Friendship Association
Fangchun (Lillian) Tsai
Organization Name:
Public Charity
Private Foundation
Private Operatin Foundation
Employer Identification Number (EIN):
Friendship Cities must establish a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization
before participating in the travel program
If your Organization has 501(c)(3) exempt status, please
select your Organization's 501(c)(3) structure:
If your Organization has 501(c)(3) exempt status, please
provide your Organization's Employer Identification Number
(EIN):
Please include/attach an Intent to Renew letter
from a Friendship City official on official letterhead.
CUPERTINO FRIENDSHIP CITY RENEWAL SUBMISSION FORM
Does your Organization have 501(c)(3) exempt
status?Yes No
During the past two years has your Organization
maintained communication with its affiliate
Friendship City to ensure the counterpart is equally
committed to the program?
Yes No
Cupertino-Tongxiang Friendship City Association
✔
✔
Please provide a summary of Friendship City delegation visits to Cupertino hosted by
the Committee over the last two years:
Please include a summary of Cupertino delegation visits hosted by the Friendship City:
From October 29 to November 5, 2024, a delegation led by Mr. Weng Songgang, Vice
Mayor of the Tongxiang Municipal People’s Government, visited the United States.
During the visit, the delegation toured Chinese-invested enterprises in the U.S. and
visited several American companies to explore investment and cooperation
opportunities. They engaged in friendly and in-depth discussions with American
business leaders. Although time constraints prevented an in-person visit to Cupertino,
the delegation maintained timely communication through email and phone calls.
Over the past two years, the two cities have remained in regular contact via email,
sharing updates on social, industrial, and developmental progress.
Over the past two years, Cupertino and Tongxiang have maintained consistent
communication through email, sharing information about their respective
development. We have also engaged in discussions to expand exchange areas. At
the end of June 2025, Tongxiang extended an invitation to Cupertino to attend the 7th
U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou in October
2025.
Please provide a description of activities held and outcomes:
Please describe how the relationship has been mutually beneficial for Cupertino and
the Friendship community:
From October 29 to November 5, 2024:
Vice Mayor Weng Songgang led a delegation to the United States, where they visited
Jushi USA, a Chinese-invested enterprise. They also engaged in in-depth discussions
with companies such as Compsa, exploring possibilities for cooperation. Each year,
Tongxiang invites representatives from the U.S. business community to attend the World
Internet Conference in Wuzhen, where participants explore concepts and
technologies to collectively promote the development of the global digital economy.
The ongoing exchanges between Cupertino and Tongxiang have strengthened
industrial cooperation, with Tongxiang's investment projects in the U.S. continuing to
expand. Educational exchange has also been promoted 2nd, with several students
from Tongxiang studying in the U.S. each year. Moreover, representatives from the
American business community have participated multiple times in the World Internet
Conference in Wuzhen, where they jointly explore the future of internet development.
Please provide an updated profile of the Friendship City Committee:
• Description of activities held and outcomes
• An updated profile of the Friendship City Committee
Date
How the relationship has been mutually beneficial
for Cupertino and the Friendship community•
Intent to renew letter from Friendship City official on
official letterhead (provide an attachment)•
Our Organization, ________________________________________________, has reviewed and
understands the "Policies and Guidelines on Sister Cities, Friendship Cities, and
International Delegations for the City of Cupertino."
Our Organization, ________________________________________________, has submitted
and understands the following eligibility requirements and annual submittals:
Friendship City Organization representative name
Signature
Summary of Friendship City delegation visits to
Cupertino hosted by the Committee over the last
two years
•
•Summary of Cupertino delegation visits hosted by
Friendship City
Angela Chen, President/Treasurer
Mia Wang, Secretary/Event Coordinator
Cupertino-Tongxiang Friendship City Association
Cupertino-Tongxiang Friendship City Association
Angela Chen
June 20, 2025
Dear Mayor Zhao Liangfang,
Greetings!
The Foreign Affairs Office of the Xianning Municipal
People's Government extends its warmest regards and best
wishes to you.
Since the establishment of friendly exchange relations
between our two cities in 2018,we have shared many
memorable moments together.Over the years,frequent
high-level mutual visits have deepened our understanding and
trust.Our library book donation programs have served as
cultural bridges,while youth art exchange activities have
sparked the creativity of our young people and fostered closer
people-to-people bonds.Naturalistic-drawing exhibitions and
other art activities have allowed our citizens to appreciate the
unique charm of each other ’s cities through artistic expression.
These exchanges and cooperation have not only cemented our
friendship but also driven joint progress in culture,education,
the economy,and beyond.
Looking ahead,we are full of anticipation for the continued
development of our friendly relations,and hope to broaden our
cooperation and diversify the forms of our communication.In
the cultural sphere,we propose organizing a wider array of
vibrant events to promote cultural pluralism.In education,we
can launch student study tours and teacher exchange programs
to enhance education internationalization.In business and trade,
we look forward to strengthening business matchmaking,
exploring cooperation opportunities,and achieving mutually
beneficial outcomes.We are convinced that sustained joint
efforts will take our friendly cooperation to new heights and
deliver even greater benefits to our peoples.
Let us join hands and,in a spirit of openness,inclusiveness,
and innovation,write a new chapter in the friendly exchanges
between our cities as we embrace an even brighter future
together.
Foreign Affairs Office of the Xianning Municipal People’s Government
June 26,2025
Organization Name:
Public Charity
Private Foundation
Private Operatin Foundation
Employer Identification Number (EIN):
Friendship Cities must establish a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization
before participating in the travel program
If your Organization has 501(c)(3) exempt status, please
select your Organization's 501(c)(3) structure:
If your Organization has 501(c)(3) exempt status, please
provide your Organization's Employer Identification Number
(EIN):
Please include/attach an Intent to Renew letter
from a Friendship City official on official letterhead.
CUPERTINO FRIENDSHIP CITY RENEWAL SUBMISSION FORM
Does your Organization have 501(c)(3) exempt
status?Yes No
During the past two years has your Organization
maintained communication with its affiliate
Friendship City to ensure the counterpart is equally
committed to the program?
Yes No
Please provide a summary of Friendship City delegation visits to Cupertino hosted by
the Committee over the last two years:
Please include a summary of Cupertino delegation visits hosted by the Friendship City:
Please provide a description of activities held and outcomes:
Please describe how the relationship has been mutually beneficial for Cupertino and
the Friendship community:
Please provide an updated profile of the Friendship City Committee:
• Description of activities held and outcomes
• An updated profile of the Friendship City Committee
Date
How the relationship has been mutually beneficial
for Cupertino and the Friendship community•
Intent to renew letter from Friendship City official on
official letterhead (provide an attachment)•
Our Organization, ________________________________________________, has reviewed and
understands the "Policies and Guidelines on Sister Cities, Friendship Cities, and
International Delegations for the City of Cupertino."
Our Organization, ________________________________________________, has submitted
and understands the following eligibility requirements and annual submittals:
Friendship City Organization representative name
Signature
Summary of Friendship City delegation visits to
Cupertino hosted by the Committee over the last
two years
•
•Summary of Cupertino delegation visits hosted by
Friendship City