At noon on April 10, President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by KMT Legislators Ma Wen-Chun, Dr. Alice Chang, and Dr. Ko Chih-En, DPP Legislator Dr. Loh Mei-Ling, and TPP Legislator Tsai Chun-Chou, hosted a luncheon for a delegation of directors and supervisors from the Overseas Chinese Association HQ (OCAH). Vice Minister Chang Liang-Ming of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) was also in attendance. During the luncheon, Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) of the Legislative Yuan made a special visit to the venue between scheduled engagements to extend greetings to the guests.
President Han first extended a sincere welcome to the delegation. He commended OCAH President Lin Chi-Kuo for coming to Taiwan as an overseas compatriot student, building his career from the ground up, and establishing a number of successful enterprises in Taiwan over the past several decades. President Han stated that Chinese culture has deep and enduring roots, and that overseas compatriots, as well as overseas compatriot students who come to Taiwan for their studies, all have a deep affection for Taiwan. This, he said, reflects the shared roots and deep bonds that connect them with Taiwan. President Han further noted that in times of conflict or national crisis, as seen in Ukraine and Iran, overseas citizens have contributed both money and effort to protect their homelands. If Taiwan were ever to face hardship, he said, overseas compatriots would surely stand with the nation and contribute generously. President Han added that the government of the Republic of China is deeply grateful to overseas compatriots. With the Legislative Yuan serving as the nation’s highest representative body, legislators from the ruling and opposition parties attended today’s luncheon, demonstrating its gratitude to overseas compatriots.
President Han emphasized that Taiwan may be likened to an egg: small in size, yet full of powerful vitality. Although Taiwan accounts for only three ten-thousandths of the world’s land area and three thousandths of the world’s population, it is able to produce three percent of the world’s industrial products. Taiwan has no oil, natural gas, or coal, he said, but it has a strong spirit of hard work and perseverance, just like the courage and determination shown by overseas compatriots when they first crossed the seas and pressed forward in pursuit of new opportunities.
In closing, President Han stated that he has repeatedly urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the OCAC to fully support overseas compatriots. He noted that overseas compatriots do not view Taiwan through partisan colors of blue, green, or white, but through their deep affection for Taiwan. He expressed hope that everyone will set aside differences, care for one another, and work together to safeguard the democracy and freedom of the Republic of China.
OCAH President Lin delivered remarks on behalf of the delegation, thanking President Han and the attending legislators for taking time out of their busy schedules to offer such a warm reception. President Lin reviewed the founding and development of the OCAH, and emphasized that the association’s 30 overseas chapters are composed of outstanding leaders from overseas compatriot communities across various sectors. These chapters, he said, fully support the government in advancing overseas community affairs and serving overseas compatriot communities around the world. President Lin stated that as the first OCAH president with a background as an overseas compatriot student, he hopes that more overseas compatriot students will come to Taiwan to “Study in Taiwan, Stay in Taiwan,” and work together for the prosperity and future of the Republic of China.
The two sides then exchanged commemorative gifts. President Han, together with the attending legislators, also visited each table to take group photos with members of the delegation. The luncheon lasted approximately two hours, with warm and friendly exchanges throughout. The event concluded successfully in a cordial and welcoming atmosphere. (2026/04/10)
