On the afternoon of August 5, Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) received a two-member delegation led by Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman Emeritus of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, at the Speaker’s residence. President Han was accompanied by KMT Legislators Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang, Niu Hsu-Ting, Hsu Chiao-Hsin, and Lo Ting-Wei; DPP Legislators Dr. Wang Ting-Yu, Chen Kuan-Ting, and Lee Kuen-Cheng; and TPP Legislator Dr. Hung Yu-Hsiang. Counselor Bryan Chao-Lu Bing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Acting Director Eric Frater of the Taipei Office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT/T) were also in attendance.
On behalf of the Legislative Yuan, President Han opened the meeting by sincerely welcoming Chairman Emeritus McCaul on his return visit to Taiwan, and noted that he has been a steadfast friend of Taiwan who, over the years, has stood on the front lines of support for Taiwan; he has actively advanced numerous pro-Taiwan bills, supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, and long paid close attention to Taiwan’s security as well as regional peace and stability, making outstanding contributions to deepening Taiwan-US relations.
President Han extended his sincere appreciation to Chairman Emeritus McCaul for his contributions, which have laid a strong foundation for the Taiwan-U.S. partnership. He expressed his firm belief that no matter what role Chairman Emeritus McCaul takes on in the future, he will continue to be one of Taiwan’s most important and most trusted friends.
President Han pointed out that the U.S. Congress has continued to support Taiwan on a bipartisan basis over the years through concrete actions, including legislation, to help Taiwan strengthen its self-defense capabilities and jointly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific. In May 2026, the ruling and opposition parties at the Legislative Yuan jointly completed deliberations on the special legislation and budget for national defense, fully demonstrating their shared determination to safeguard national security. At the moment, the Legislative Yuan continues to advance drone-related legislation, with hopes that Taiwan and the U.S. can further deepen collaboration in drones, advanced technology, and supply chain resilience and jointly build a more resilient democratic supply chain.
President Han further noted that in recent years, Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade cooperation has continued to grow rapidly, with bilateral trade in goods reaching US$256 billion in 2025. In the first five months of this year, trade grew by 64% compared with the same period last year, fully demonstrating the fruitful results of bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
In closing, President Han stressed that in the face of a rapidly changing global landscape, like-minded countries should continue to work together to collectively safeguard universal values such as democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. The Legislative Yuan will also continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the U.S. Congress, advance the Taiwan-U.S. partnership, and collectively promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
During the exchange, Legislator Chen Yeong-Kang stated that Taiwan will continue to strengthen its national defense capabilities and promote the development of the drone industry. Taiwan, he said, looks forward to deepening Taiwan-U.S. cooperation in advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and national defense and security.
Legislator Wang expressed that Taiwan can become a crucial partner in the global drone supply chain and help enhance industrial resilience and regional security through Taiwan-U.S. cooperation. He also thanked Chairman Emeritus McCaul for his support for and contributions to peace and stability in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific over the years, and welcomed the Chairman’s continued visits to Taiwan in the future.
Legislator Hung stated that he visited the U.S. with President Han as part of a cross-party delegation in June this year and conveyed suggestions from Taiwanese businesses in the U.S. on the investment environment and talent exchange. He looks forward to the continued deepening of Taiwan-U.S. industrial cooperation and trade exchanges.
The two sides also exchanged views on security in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, and global geopolitics, while enjoying distinctive Taiwanese local snacks, including shaved ice and barbecued pork puffs, thoughtfully prepared by President Han. Toward the end, President Han presented Chairman McCaul, who was born in the Year of the Tiger, with a porcelain plate featuring a painted tiger motif as a token of appreciation for his deep friendship with Taiwan. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and concluded in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. (2026/08/05)
