Chance meeting between Bellocchi and volunteer Chen Chi-Yen

Former managing director of American Institute in Taiwan, Natale H. Bellocchi, passed away at the age of 88 on November 17. Many people from around the world have sent in their condolence. Bellocchi entered United States Foreign Service in 1955. He was appointed as Ambassador to the Republic of Botswana in 1985. His other postings included Hong Kong, Laos, India, Vietnam, and Taiwan. He has made great contributions to the world and Taiwan has lost one good friend. Bellocchi was the third managing director of American Institute in Taiwan after the formal diplomatic relationship between US and Taiwan was cut. He served his terms in Taiwan while Lee Teng-Hui was President of Taiwan. He was instrumental in arranging President Lee’s visit to Cornel University, the president’s alma mater.

Bellocchi was Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of AIT from 1990-1995. He was dedicated to strengthen the relationship between US and Taiwan and continued to watch closely the democratic development in Taiwan after his term in office. Ambassador Bellocchi witnessed the progress of democracy in Taiwan and wrote a book “The Path to Taiwan’s Democracy” after he retired. Bellocchi once said that US is to desert its own fundamental values if it reneges upon its commitments to Taiwan. He called upon the US government to view Taiwan as an important strategic position in America’s interests in east Asia. He was among the US retired diplomatic officers who side with Taiwan and a frequent writer for Taiwanese media.

Bellocchi married to a Taiwanese lady, Lilan Liu. Chen Chi-Yen, a volunteer of Federation of World Peace and Love, recalled her meeting with Bellocchi, saying his deep concerns for Taiwan’s democracy is very touching. Chen Chi-Yen, translator for Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men and his wife, met with Bellocchi in Washington D.C in June of 2001. Bellocchi admired the dedications and efforts of Tai Ji Men in promoting love and peace around the world.

Chen Chi-Yen was saddened to hear the departure of Bellocchi. She wishes Ambassador Bellocchi rest in peace. He has set a paradigm for diplomatic officers with his personality and character.

Chen Chi-Yen has been promoting the message of love and peace with Dr. Hong Tao-Tze for years. She has turned into a volunteer of love and peace from a foreign student in US and facilitated cultural exchanges between Taiwan and other nations. She said “The positioning of Taiwan in the international community depends more upon ourselves than upon international friends.” Chen urges people to take part in the movement of An Era of Conscience. The movement was launched by Dr. Hong at the beginning of the year. As of today, more than 2,500 organizations from 185 nations have jointly promoted the movement to remind people to find back the inner peace and conscience. It is expected the awakening of conscience will lead to acts of kindness and goodness. The designated website at www.aneoc.org was launched and people are encouraged to be a part of the movement.