On the afternoon of April 8, Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜), accompanied by KMT Legislator Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang, DPP Legislator Chen Kuan-Ting, and TPP Legislator Dr. Wang An-Hsiang, received a delegation led by U.S. Senator Jim Banks.
President Han first welcomed the delegation and introduced the cross-party legislators in attendance. He likened the Legislative Yuan’s multiparty landscape to a scalene triangle, with the Taiwan People’s Party holding a key minority of eight seats. Despite their different political stances, President Han emphasized that all parties place great importance on national security. He also praised Senator Banks as a patriotic statesman, noting that during his tenure as a senator from Indiana, he took leave to serve in Afghanistan. President Han expressed deep admiration for the senator’s embodiment of the military values of “duty, honor, and country.”
President Han went on to explain the Legislative Yuan’s institutional structure, noting that unlike the U.S. Congress, where committees play a central role in advancing legislation, bills in the Legislative Yuan that encounter deadlock must ultimately be resolved through negotiations convened by the President. He remarked humorously that this role is as strategically critical as controlling the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East.
Senator Banks thanked President Han for receiving the delegation, noting that although this was his first visit to Taiwan, he has consistently supported Taiwan in the U.S. Congress. He emphasized that, given the shared values of freedom and democracy between Taiwan and the United States, and clear recognition of the threats posed by China to the U.S., Taiwan, and the global community, he will continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation during his tenure and share his observations of Taiwan with colleagues upon his return.
The senator further noted that support for Taiwan in the U.S. Congress enjoys bipartisan consensus. He added that President Donald Trump is committed to increasing U.S. defense spending and closely monitors Taiwan’s defense issues. He expressed confidence that Taiwan will allocate greater resources to demonstrate its commitment to national security and voiced hope for the smooth passage of the special budget, as well as a successful outcome of the party caucus negotiations scheduled for April 9.
During the exchange, Legislator Chen Yeong-Kang noted that as a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, he fully understands the importance of U.S. technological capabilities to the world. He stressed that, as Taiwan faces military challenges, integrating artificial intelligence into military systems is a critical policy priority. He also called on Taiwan to formulate its own national security strategy to better respond to evolving threats and challenges.
Legislator Chen Kuan-Ting stated that, thanks to President Han’s strong support, different party caucuses have been able to conduct thorough discussions on the defense special budget. He expressed hope that the United States will continue its support to help ensure a successful outcome.
Legislator Wang welcomed the delegation and thanked Senator Banks for his support for Taiwan. He added that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is a core objective of the Taiwan People’s Party.
In closing, President Han emphasized that he will do his utmost to facilitate the deliberation of the defense special budget, sending a clear message to the international community of Taiwan’s determination to invest in its national defense. He also expressed confidence that Taiwan will continue to receive support from international partners.
The two sides then engaged in extensive and in-depth discussions on topics including Taiwan’s cross-party legislative operations, national strategic planning, the potential U.S.-China leaders’ summit, and U.S. congressional procedures. The meeting lasted approximately one hour in a cordial and relaxed atmosphere. The exchange concluded after a souvenir presentation and a group photo. The delegation was later accompanied by staff from the Department of International Affairs on a tour of the Legislative Yuan and briefly met with KMT Legislators Hsu Chiao-Hsin and Lo Ting-Wei outside the chamber. (2026/04/08)
