Taiwanese Americans split on views, emotions as tensions rise

As youth shift from 'Chinese' identity, elders hope for pragmatic solutions

The annual Taiwan pro-independence march on Sept. 17 started in front of the Chinese Consulate in New York on 12th Avenue and finished at Union Square. (Photo courtesy of Taiwanese American Association of New York)

MARRIAN ZHOU, Nikkei staff writer

September 24, 2022 01:49 JST

NEW YORK -- "Taiwan is a country! U.N. for Taiwan!" The chant echoed through the streets as protesters marched in Manhattan holding flags that read, "Keep Taiwan Free."

"Everyone is excited, people have this chance to speak up and talk to pedestrians, talk to local Americans about what we're trying to support," said Ricky Yeh, 38, a data analytics manager based in New York.