On the morning of April 2, Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) received an 11-member delegation from European Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE), led by SEDE Chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann. Also in attendance were KMT Legislator Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang, DPP Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching, TPP Legislator Dr. Wang An-Hsiang, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan Mr. Lutz Güllner, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. François Chihchung Wu.
President Han began by extending a sincere welcome to the guests, noting that the presence of representatives from all three major political parties reflects the high level of cross-party importance the Legislative Yuan attaches to the European Parliament. He further explained that the Legislative Yuan is a unicameral legislature consisting of 113 members. He remarked that while seat distributions and opinions may vary among parties, there is a consensus on the importance of national defense, foreign affairs, and overseas compatriot affairs. He emphasized that the European Parliament has long demonstrated its concern for Taiwan's security and continues to support peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait through the passage of resolutions and public statements—actions for which all sectors of Taiwanese society are deeply grateful.
President Han went on to note that in the current volatile international climate, security issues have become increasingly vital. He mentioned that just as educators prioritize education, industry leaders prioritize the economy, and law enforcement prioritizes public order, he believes that parliamentarians in Taiwan, Europe, and around the world all regard national security as the critical foundation for a nation's survival. President Han stressed that the official delegation organized by the European Parliament’s SEDE provides a significant boost of confidence and support for Taiwan. He expressed his hope for the continued deepening of international cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. In closing, he stated that Taiwan is not only a powerhouse of world-class cuisine, semiconductors, and traditional industries, but also a land of friendly people, and he looks forward to the delegation gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan during their visit.
Chair Strack-Zimmermann thanked President Han and the Legislative Yuan for their warm reception, noting that the visit was highly productive and has left the delegation with a profound impression of Taiwan’s overall development. She pointed out that the European Parliament is composed of over 700 members from 27 member states, with the delegation itself representing various countries and political parties. Furthermore, she resonated deeply with President Han’s remarks regarding the nature of diverse discourse in a democratic society. Chair Strack-Zimmermann also mentioned that the committee includes professionals such as former defense ministers and diplomats. She added that the committee was upgraded to a standing committee 14 months ago (January 2025), entrusted with greater responsibilities to addresspo complex and critical security affairs among the 27 member states, their governments, and their respective parliaments.
Chair Strack-Zimmermann also pointed out that, due to historical factors, defense was previously not a core issue for the EU, but rather the responsibility of individual member states; however, as the international situation has shifted, EU nations have recognized the need for solidarity and cooperation in defense to address emerging challenges. In closing, Chair Strack-Zimmermann reiterated that Taiwan and Europe share similar values and ideals, and currently face common challenges such as hybrid warfare and cyberattacks. She noted that ongoing global instability, including the invasion of Crimea by Russia, conflicts in the Middle East, and tensions in the Indo-Pacific, underscores the criticality of security issues; the European Parliament attaches great importance to the freedom of navigation, as key waterways such as the Taiwan Strait and the Strait of Hormuz are vital to global trade. She expected that the European Parliament will continue to deepen cooperation with like-minded democratic partners to collectively address these challenges.
In the following discussion, Legislator Chen Yeong-Kang extended his gratitude for Europe’s long-standing support for Taiwan’s democracy and security. He pointed out that over 20% of global maritime trade passes through the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. In the face of a complex international landscape, he suggested that Taiwan and Europe collaborate on issues such as strengthening communication resilience and work together to bolster relevant capabilities.
Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching also thanked Europe for its long-standing support for Taiwan’s democracy and security. She remarked that Taiwan is actively enhancing its democratic resilience and cybersecurity, while continuing to increase its defense budget. She voiced her hope for the European Union’s continued assistance in strengthening Taiwan’s international presence.
Legislator Dr. Wang An-Hsiang expressed appreciation for the European Parliament’s support of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait through the passage of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
The two sides exchanged views on various topics such as the Russia-Ukraine war, cooperation among democratic alliances, and cybersecurity. The meeting lasted approximately 40 minutes and concluded in a warm and friendly atmosphere following an exchange of gifts and a group photo. (2026/04/02)
