On the morning of January 16, Deputy Secretary General Dr. Chang Yu-Jung (張裕榮) of the Legislative Yuan attended the Inaugural Meeting of the Legislative Yuan Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) Promotion Association, initiated by DPP Legislator Dr. Chiu Chih-Wei. Distinguished guests in attendance included DPP Legislators Hsu Chih-Chieh, Lai Jui-Lung, Kuo Yu-Ching, Wang Mei-Hui, Dr. Loh Mei-Ling, Wu Szu-Yao, Hsu Fu-Kuei, Dr. Wu Li-Hua (Saidhai‧Tahovecahe), Chen Kuan-Ting, and Ngalim Tiunn; Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ger Bau-Shuan; Acting Representative Koh Sang-Wook of the Korean Mission in Taipei; Deputy Director-General Vishwanjali Murlidhar Gaikwad from the India-Taipei Association; Director Anna Garretson of the Economic and Policy Section of the Australian Office in Taipei; Director Tada Hatsu of the Political Section of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association; Chief Charles Rowe of the Economic Section of the New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office; and Deputy Chief Lien Ching-Shan of the Political Section of the American Institute in Taiwan, among others.
The inaugural meeting began with a group photo of all participants, followed by opening remarks and introductions by the initiator Legislator Chiu. Deputy Secretary General Chang then delivered remarks, stating that he was honored to attend the inaugural meeting on behalf of President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) of the Legislative Yuan. At a time when the international situation is undergoing rapid changes, with developments in the Taiwan Strait and the broader region drawing heightened attention, he noted that Taiwan remains firmly committed to safeguarding a rules-based international order and stands ready to work alongside like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific region to shoulder shared responsibilities.
Deputy Secretary General Chang stated that the vision of a FOIP has become a widely shared strategic objective within the international community, and that Taiwan is an indispensable key node in this framework. He emphasized Taiwan’s central position along the first island chain in East Asia, as well as its pivotal role in global high-tech supply chains. Taiwan’s security and the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait, he said, have profound implications for the Indo-Pacific region and are closely linked to global political, economic, and technological developments. He also added that in the face of growing threats and challenges, Taiwan continues to strengthen its national defense capabilities and enhance societal resilience, while also seeking closer cooperation with like-minded partners worldwide to jointly safeguard democracy and freedom, and contribute to the maintenance of a FOIP.
Deputy Secretary General Chang expressed his appreciation to Legislator Chiu for initiating the Legislative Yuan FOIP Promotion Association, noting that the initiative demonstrates Taiwan’s importance and its commitment to the development of the Indo-Pacific region. He stated that by standing united and leveraging parliamentary diplomacy, Taiwan can deepen relationships and substantive cooperation with democratic partners and jointly advance the FOIP vision. He added that should the association require any administrative assistance in the future, the Legislative Yuan will provide its full support. He concluded by wishing all attendees good health and success in the association’s endeavors.
Following Deputy Secretary General Chang’s remarks, Vice Minister Ger of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Acting Representative Koh of the Korean Mission in Taipei, and Director Tada of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office, delivered remarks in turn. The meeting then proceeded to adopt the association’s charter and elect its president and vice presidents. The event lasted approximately 40 minutes and concluded successfully. (2026/01/16)
