On the evening of May 9, Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) led a cross-party delegation of legislators from the Legislative Yuan to France and the United Kingdom to advance congressional diplomacy. The ten-member delegation included Dr. Alice Chang, KMT Legislator and Chair of the ROC-UK Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association; Lin Chu-Yin, DPP Legislator and Chair of the Taiwan-France Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association; Chiu Yi-Ying, DPP Legislator and Vice Chair of the Taiwan-France Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association; KMT Legislators Dr. Yang Chiung-Ying, Lu Ming-Che, and Lo Ting-Wei; DPP Legislators Lee Po-Yi and Dr. Wang Yi-Chuan; and TPP Legislator Dr. Chiu Hui-Ju. Legislative Yuan Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣), Secretary General Chou Wan-Lai, and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ger Bau-Shuan also came to the airport to see the delegation off.
Speaking to the press at Taoyuan International Airport, President Han stated that he was leading a cross-party delegation to France and the United Kingdom at the invitation of the French Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group and the Council of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Europe. In addition to exchanging views with European parliamentarians, he expressed his hope that the visit would provide an opportunity to personally offer encouragement and support to Taiwanese businesspeople and overseas compatriots who have been working hard abroad. He added that, on behalf of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD), the delegation would also engage in exchanges with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, a partner organization, to further deepen the friendship between the two foundations.
President Han went on to state that Taiwan currently faces a challenging diplomatic environment and that expanding its international space is no easy task. During this visit, he will lead a cross-party delegation of legislators from the Legislative Yuan and, on behalf of all citizens of the Republic of China (Taiwan), convey Taiwan’s five strengths to its European friends. He said that, first, Taiwan possesses globally leading high-tech semiconductor technology. Second, Taiwan boasts world-class medical and healthcare technologies, as well as healthcare personnel distinguished by their high level of professionalism and humanitarian compassion. Third, small and medium-sized enterprises account for 95 percent of all businesses in Taiwan. Across industries such as steel, textiles, sporting goods, and chemicals, these enterprises have nurtured numerous hidden champions that have benefited people around the world, including those in Europe. Fourth, Taiwan is one of the world’s most livable places, with good public security and freedom of religion. Today happens to be Mazu’s birthday, and celebrations of all sizes taking place throughout the streets demonstrate Taiwan’s diversity and vitality. Fifth, and perhaps the strength of which Taiwan is most proud, is that through decades of hard work and perseverance by the Taiwanese people, Taiwan has become a civil society that enjoys democracy and freedom in full. Democracy has become part of the DNA of all Taiwanese people.
In closing, President Han stated that, as President of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan), he hopes to achieve three objectives through this visit: to inspire European friends who have never been to Taiwan to visit; to ensure those who visit to develop a fondness for Taiwan; and to leave those who depart longing to return. He reaffirmed that the Legislative Yuan delegation will work together in support of Taiwan’s diplomatic endeavors.
Accompanied and seen off by Vice President Johnny C. Chiang, Secretary General Chou Wan-Lai, and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ger Bau-Shuan, President Han and the cross-party delegation took group photographs before proceeding to board their flight and begin their congressional diplomacy visit. (2026/5/9)
