On the afternoon of May 1, President of the Legislative Yuan Daniel K.Y. Han, accompanied by Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang, legislator Chen Yeong-kang from the Kuomintang (KMT), legislator Chen Kuan-ting from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), legislator Mai Yu-chen from the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), and Deputy Director of the International Affairs Department Yang Fang-ling, received an eight-member delegation from the Association of State Democratic Chairs (ASDC).
President Han warmly welcomed the visiting delegation and, after a group photo with the attendees, individually introduced Vice President Chiang and the three party caucus representatives present. In his address, President Han expressed gratitude for the Democratic Party's steadfast support of Taiwan, noting their numerous resolutions in favor of Taiwan, including support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). He also acknowledged President Joe Biden's repeated emphasis on the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait, expressing deep appreciation for the support and friendship from the United States. President Han provided an overview of the Legislative Yuan as a unicameral legislature, highlighting that 72 of the 113 legislators are members of the Legislative Yuan USA Caucus (LUC), underscoring the Legislative Yuan's strong emphasis on relations with the U.S. Congress. He specifically mentioned that there were numerous media outlets present because over 50 million overseas Chinese are highly concerned about the operations of the new Legislative Yuan. He expressed the hope that through media coverage, the world would gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan as the only region in the Chinese-speaking world that enjoys high levels of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.
Chairperson Mike Schmuhl expressed his great honor to visit the Legislative Yuan and express his gratitude to President Han for accommodating the meeting. He introduced the delegation members from 8 states across the United States, spanning from East to West. Since arriving in Taiwan three days ago, they have learned a lot from visiting government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and schools. He particularly mentioned that the interaction with students from the Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University impressed him with the lively vigor of Taiwanese high school students. He continued by noting the Congressional Taiwan Caucus in the U.S. Congress, which includes up to 100 Democratic members. President Biden, as leader of the Democratic Party, signed defense-related legislation concerning Indo-Pacific regional security earlier this year, demonstrating the importance the U.S. placed on Taiwan. Finally, he praised Taiwan's vibrant democracy, innovative economy, diverse social and cultural fabric, and passionate people. He looks forward eagerly to continuing the itinerary and dialogue ahead.
Vice President Chiang also welcomed the visiting delegation in his speech, and then explained that the number of major political parties in the Legislative Yuan has fluctuated over time, demonstrating the vitality and diversity of democracy. He also noted that Taiwan holds parliamentary elections once every four years, contrasting with the biennial elections of the U.S. Congress, which allows for greater stability and rejuvenation. He extended his best wishes for the delegation's smooth journey and expressed hope for future opportunities to meet and engage closely in the United States.
Legislator Chen Yeong-kang, representing the KMT, welcomed the delegation once again in his speech. As a member of the Foreign and National Defense Committee of the Legislative Yuan, he expressed gratitude for the United States' longstanding support for Taiwan's democracy, national defense, and regional stability. He expressed hope for continued communication between the two sides in the future. Lastly, he added that he graduated from the U.S. Naval War College, which is in the home state of one of the delegation members, Chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Party.
Legislator Chen Kuan-ting began his speech by introducing himself as a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the United States. He then welcomed the delegation to Taiwan and expressed hope that the delegation members would engage in extensive exchanges with legislators from various political parties. This would facilitate a better understanding of different party ideologies and perspectives, thereby enhancing awareness of Taiwan Strait security and stability as well as potential future cooperation projects.
Legislator Mai Yu-chen, representing the TPP, welcomed the delegation and expressed her delight at meeting Americans today. She shared a humorous anecdote that in Vietnam, there is a saying that seeing Americans means one can go to the U.S., which elicited smiles from everyone present. She expressed hope for further development in Taiwan-US trade relations, aiming to export Taiwan's high-quality agricultural products to the United States. This would allow Vietnamese, Taiwanese, and ethnic Chinese people in the United States to enjoy Taiwanese cuisine.
During bilateral exchanges, the visiting delegation engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as their itinerary in Taiwan, Taiwan’s democracy, and misinformation and disinformation, fostering a candid and enjoyable atmosphere. Following the exchange of gifts between both parties, the meeting concluded. Guided by colleagues from the International Affairs Office, the delegation toured the Legislative Yuan chambers. The entire meeting and tour lasted approximately 1.5 hours, concluding on a high note of warmth, happiness, and friendly relations.
