Central News Agency (Central News Agency reporter Su Chih-yu Taipei, July 3) To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, AIT Director Brent Christensen and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim participated in the first pitch ceremony at Tianmu Baseball Stadium for today's Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) game. Hsiao emphasized that democracy and freedom are shared beliefs between Taiwan and the US, and baseball is a common hobby that brings people closer. The American Institute in Taiwan's (AIT) "Taiwan-US Friendship Night" was held at the Wei Chuan Dragons' home stadium. There were two groups of guests for the pre-game first pitch ceremony. In one group, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim threw the pitch, and Director Christensen served as the batter. In the other group, Coupang's Global Affairs Director Robert Porter threw the pitch, with last year's Little League World Series winning pitcher Lin Chin-tse serving as the batter. It is understood that former President Tsai Ing-wen did not participate in the pre-game ceremony and attended the game as a spectator. In her speech, Hsiao Bi-khim expressed her pleasure in joining fans for Taiwan-US Friendship Night. While congratulating the US on its 250th anniversary of independence, she noted that this year also marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections. "Like the United States, democracy and freedom are our beliefs, but baseball is our common hobby, and it is what we love most and what brings Taiwan and the US closer." Christensen told reporters that a series of events are being held to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, and five landmark locations in Taipei, Kaohsiung, and other cities will be illuminated tomorrow. "We want to use this year's activities to highlight the common values and common interests between the US and Taiwan." Christensen also detailed the close economic and tourism ties between the US and Taiwan, and expresse