The Legislative Yuan

Press Release

April 26, 2023

President You Si-kun accompanies French Senate Vie President and President of France-Taiwan Friendship Gorup to visit Yilan

You Si-kun: Grateful to President Richard for promoting relations between Taiwan and France over a decade

Accompanied by Legislators Chen Ou-po, Yu Yu-lan, Chen Wan-hui, Hung Sun-han, Secretary General Lin Jih-jia, Secretariat Director Kung Ping-chieh, Yilan Country Magistrate Lin Zi-miao, Yilan Country Council President Zhang Sheng-de, Convener Chen Chun-yu, Convener Chen Fu-shan, Secretary General Liu Tuo of the Department of European Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Frach Association Taipei Director Pierre Goulange, President You and Madame You welcomed French Senate Vice President and France-Taiwan Friendship Group President Alain Richard to visit National Center of Traditional Arts and Yilan Kavalan Whisky Brewery and hosted a luncheon in honor of the delegation on the afternoon of April 26.

 The delegation visited National Center of Traditional Arts, including visiting Scholar Huang’s Residence to listen to its history, Dong Hsin Hakka Cultural Hall to appreciate the Hakka floral umbrellas, Ho Lo puppet opera to pose for photos, Deng Yi Sen herb store to make herb sachets, and national treasure artcrafts. 

President You was interviewed before the tour, he responded to Chinese ambassador to France’s statement that China could decide Taiwan’s destiny. He said that Taiwan is acclaimed as the role model of democracy. UK EIU democracy index, Taiwan ranks first for second consecutive year in East Asia and second in freedom index in East Asia even better than Japan. Taiwan is a free and democratic country. Its destiny certainly should be decided by our people. Former President Ma Ying-jeou also stated that Taiwan’s destiny should be decoded by the 23 million people of Taiwan. Therefore, Mr. Lu Sha-ye’s statement was not appropriate. He lived under an authoritarian regime. He even served as an ambassador to Canada and France, but still become a democratic figure. What a pity it is.

When interviewed, French Senate Vice President Richard stated that he would recommend National Center of Traditional Arts to his friends for its beautiful architecture, traditional culture and diversified art.

The delegation continued their visiting program to King Car Kavalan Whisky Brewery. President You hosted a luncheon in honor of the delegation. In his luncheon remarks, President You expressed his delight to accompany the delegation to visit his hometown Yilan. He wanted to thank President Richard of France-Taiwan Friendship Group for promoting bilateral relations over a decade. In particular, when President You visited France, Senate Vice President Richard toured the Senate for them in person and visited the Val-d'Oise, which he was very touched. Therefore, he arranged the two visiting programs, which are well-known scenic spots in Yilan with Taiwanese characteristics.

He concluded his remarks by pointing out that the luncheon was Yilan cuisines. He hoped that French friends could taste special Taiwanese food. The luncheon completed at 1 p.m. in an amicable atmosphere.

Note: Delegation members
1. Senate Vice President and President of France-Taiwan Friendship Group  Alain Richard
2. Senator Alexandra Borchio-Fontimp
3.Senator Valérie Boyer
4.Senator Brigitte Devésa
5.Exxecutive Secretary of Fracne-Taiwan Friendship Group Philippe Péjo