At noon on December 9, President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) of the Legislative Yuan hosted a banquet at the Kang-Yuan restaurant of the Legislative Yuan in honor of a visiting delegation from the 13th World Federation of Taiwan Alumni Associations (WFOTAA). President Han was accompanied by KMT Legislators Dr. Hsieh Yi-Fong, Wang Hung-Wei, Lo Chih-Chiang, Dr. Weng Hsiao-Ling, as well as DPP Legislator Dr. Loh Mei-Ling and TPP Legislator Chang Chi-Kai. Deputy Minister Lee Yen-Hui of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) was also in attendance.
In his remarks, President Han first welcomed the members of the visiting delegation, noting that legislators from across party lines were present at the banquet, fully demonstrating the Legislative Yuan’s high regard for overseas compatriots and Taiwan alumni organizations. He said that the WFOTAA represents Taiwan’s closest family members and steadfast partners, and that many alumni spent the most formative years of their lives studying, building friendships, and living in Taiwan, creating precious memories and maintaining a profound, lifelong affection for the country.
President Han noted that with rising global uncertainty, the international situation in recent years has been turbulent, but despite external changes, Taiwan has demonstrated remarkable resilience and is fortunate to be supported by passionate and dedicated overseas compatriots and Taiwan alumni around the world. He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many overseas compatriots voluntarily assisted Taiwan by purchasing and sending back medical and epidemic prevention supplies, reflecting their deep affection for the country. President Han said that whenever Taiwan has faced natural disasters, major earthquakes, or other crises, overseas compatriots and Taiwan alumni have consistently extended their help at the earliest possible moment—acts of goodwill that will always be remembered by the people of Taiwan.
President Han also underscored the importance of preserving and passing on Chinese cultural heritage, conveying that while many foreigners can readily acquire everyday Mandarin language skills, they often find it difficult to grasp the deeper cultural essence. For this reason, he said, Taiwan bears the vital cultural mission of safeguarding and perpetuating the roots of Chinese culture, ensuring its continuous transmission from generation to generation.
President Han continued by saying that among Chinese-speaking societies worldwide, Taiwan is the only place that fully implements a democratic system. He stated although legislators from different parties may at times hold differing views, they engage in rational debate and interact in a peaceful manner, demonstrating democracy’s capacity for self-correction and internal regulation. President Han noted that every elected representative shares a deep love for the land of Taiwan, and that this original purpose remains the unwavering conviction of all who serve in public office.
President Han went on to point out that Taiwan currently faces a challenging international environment, with the Republic of China maintaining diplomatic relations with only 12 countries and lacking formal diplomatic ties in Southeast Asia, underscoring the significance of connecting with overseas compatriot communities in the region. Citing a recent case in which Taiwanese travelers detained in Dubai received full support from overseas compatriots, President Han emphasized that overseas compatriot communities constitute Taiwan’s most valuable resource abroad. He said that the Taiwan alumni associations around the world not only represent Taiwan’s strongest overseas civil network but also serve as a vital force in advancing public and people-to-people diplomacy.
「世界留台校友會聯誼總會」林齊國總會長致詞表示，國父曾言「華僑為革命之母」，黃花崗七十二烈士中有超過三分之一為華僑，足見華僑在國家發展歷程中的重要角色。他進一步指出，1942年成立的「南洋華僑協會」，於1945年抗日戰爭勝利後更名為「華僑協會總會」，迄今已逾80年，始終堅持服務華僑、支持中華民國，並積極推動「獎勵華僑回國投資」方案，促成許多華僑返台投資建設，對台灣經濟發展貢獻卓著，足見華僑對台灣的長久深情。
When giving his remarks, President Lin Chi-Kuo of the WFOTAA cited Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s famous saying that “overseas compatriots are the mother of the revolution,” noting that more than one-third of the 72 martyrs of the Huanghuagang Uprising were overseas Chinese, which serves as clear evidence of their crucial role in the nation’s development. He further explained that the Nanyang Overseas Chinese Association, established in 1942 and renamed the Overseas Chinese Association HQ (OCA) following victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in 1945, has for more than 80 years remained committed to serving overseas compatriots and supporting the Republic of China. President Lin said that through initiatives such as encouraging overseas compatriots’ investment in Taiwan, the OCA has facilitated substantial contributions to Taiwan’s economic development, reflecting the enduring affection of overseas compatriots for Taiwan.
President Lin added that the WFOTAA currently comprises 18 member countries, with representatives from 11 nations returning to Taiwan for the event, symbolizing the close ties between Taiwan alumni and Taiwan. He stressed that overseas compatriot affairs and diplomacy are mutually reinforcing, and that Taiwan alumni serve as an important force in promoting the values of the Republic of China abroad. President Lin also mentioned that the General Assembly of the WFOTAA is held biennially and will convene in Taiwan next year (2026), at which time President Han and legislators from all parties will be warmly invited to attend and engage with alumni from around the world.
The two sides then exchanged commemorative gifts, after which President Han posed for a group photo with the attending legislators and members of the visiting delegation, officially marking the start of the luncheon. The banquet lasted approximately one hour and thirty minutes and took place in a cordial atmosphere, with both hosts and guests enjoying the occasion to the fullest, bringing the event to a successful close on a warm and cheerful note.
