On February 23 at 9:30 AM, President Han attended the inaugural ceremony of the Legislative Yuan USA Caucus (LUC), co-founded by Legislators Wang Ting-Yu and Ko Chih-En. Distinguished guests in attendance included Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim, Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Dr. Johnny C. Chiang, and Legislators Su Chiao-Hui, Chang Chi-Kai, Ko Ju-Chun, Yang Chiung-Ying, Hung Mong-Kai, Cheng Cheng-Chien, Chen Yu-Jen, Chang Chia-Chun, Lo Chih-Chiang, Wang Yu-Min, Lee Yen-Hsiu, Niu Hsu-Ting, Tu Chuan-Chi, Wu Tsung-Hsien, Hsu Chih-Chieh, Wang Mei-Hui, Lin I-Chin, Fan Yun, Ngalim Tiunn, Lin Yi-Chun, Mai Yu-Chen, Chen Kuan-Ting, Huang Chien-Hao, Chiu Yi-Ying, Lin Chien-Chi, Hsu Yu-Chen, Lin Te-Fu, Chen Yeong-Kang, Wu Pei-Yi, Lo Ting-Wei, Yu Hao, Chang Chih-Lun, Wang Hung-Wei, and the Deputy Secretary-General of the Legislative Yuan Chang Yu-Jung, as well as the Acting Director of the American Institute in Taiwan Jeremy Cornforth.
Additionally, other participants included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang, Director-General of the Department of North American Affairs Wang Liang-Yu, Acting Director of AZ-Taiwan Trade & Investment Office Sandy Lee, Director of SELECTFLORIDA/State of Florida and Taiwan/Pacific Rim Office Wennie Chen, Director of the Guam Taiwan Office Felix Yen, Director of the State of Hawaii Office in Taipei Alex C. Lei, Director of State of Maryland Business Center-Taiwan Tiffany Chen, Director of State of Minnesota, Taiwan Office Irene Tsao, Representative of the State of Montana Asia Trade Office-Taiwan Wang Mei-Mei, Director of International Trade Bureau Taipei Office, State of New Mexico Economic Development Department Ethan Chen, Director of Empire State Development-Trade and Investment Office in Taiwan Nikki Pong, Representative of JobsOhio - Taiwan Office Josephine Liu, Director of Taiwan Virginia Economic Development Partnership Sarah Liu, Executive Director of State of Washington Taiwan Office Irene Tsai and Representative of West Virginia Taiwan Office Ricky Lee.
President Han first warmly welcomed Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim to attend the inauguration ceremony. With as many as 72 legislators joining the Legislative Yuan USA Caucus (LUC), he humorously remarked that while moviegoers often choose what to watch based on the cast, it seems that members of the Legislative Yuan follow the same principle when deciding which parliamentary friendship group to join. This showcases the impressive line-up of the LUC. He then announced that the honorary president of the LUC would be Vice President Chiang, a former KMT chairman. Additionally, one of the LUC co-chairs, Legislator Ko Chih-En, has a Ph.D. in education and holds the record for visiting most cities and countries through hosting the TV show "Running Around the Earth" in the past. The other co-chair, Wang Ting-Yu, is a sesasoned legislator with excellent command of English and a strong sense of mission to improve Taiwan-U.S. relations.
President Han emphasized that each legislator present well understood the significance of the Taiwan-U.S. relationship. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties between the two nations, the U.S. has been consistently supporting Taiwan, enabling Taiwanese people to live a peaceful life, upgrade economy, and nurture their future generations. He has every confidence that the LUC would advance parliamentary diplomacy on behalf of Taiwan's 23 million people, fostering seamless cooperation between Taiwan and the United States.
Vice President-elect Hsiao stated that, instead of attending the event in the capacity of Vice President-elect, she actually came here as a former member of the 9th Legislative Yuan and the 9th chair of the LUC. She noted that incumbent Vice President Chiang had served as the vice-chair of the LUC in the past as well. Together with legislators Chiu Yi-Ying and Wang Ting-Yu, they had closely worked together to advance Taiwan-U.S. relations during their visits to the United States. She congratulated the newly formed LUC for its cross-party spirit, making it the largest parliamentary friendship group in the Yuan. Highlighting that U.S. policy towards Taiwan is grounded in the "One Act, Six Assurances," which significantly contribute to Taiwan's prosperity, she expressed hopes that the Yuan will stand united to secure bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress to deepen Taiwan-U.S. relations.
Vice President Chiang, in his address, acknowledged the long-standing history of the LUC, noting its role as a conduit for parliamentary exchanges representing the Legislative Yuan. He emphasized that the LUC not only fosters bilateral relations between Taiwan and the U.S. but also holds significance in Taiwan's engagement with other nations. He highlighted that the establishment of the LUC helps facilitate internal coordination within the Legislative Yuan, thereby enhancing its effectiveness in furthering Taiwan-U.S. ties. He has every confidence that this development would be welcomed by the U.S. government. The inauguration of the LUC symbolizes a new chapter for the Yuan. However, the LUC’s future success relies on cross-party cooperation aimed at strengthening Taiwan-U.S. relations and contributing to the security, trade flow, and geopolitical stability of the Asia-Pacific region.
Following the speeches by other distinguished guests, the adoption of the charter of the LUC, and the elections of its co-chairs and vice-chairs, the inaugural ceremony concluded successfully after approximately one hour in an amicable vibe.
