In the afternoon of September 20, President Daniel K.Y. Han met with the 43-member delegation of the International Leadership Foundation, including Founding President Chiling Tung and Founder Joel Szabat. In attendance were KMT Legislator Alice Chang, DPP Legislator Tsai Yi-Yu, TPP Legislator Chen Gau-Tzu, and Director of the Department of International Affairs Kevin C.F. Lin. September 20 coincided with the opening day of Legislative Yuan’s second session. Vice President Johnny C. Chiang took the opportunity to greet visiting members and take group photos with them during a break while hosting the preliminary sitting of the general interpellation on government policy.
President Han rushed back to the Legislative Yuan to receive the delegation soon after presiding over the press conference for the Double Ten National Day Gala this afternoon. He first extended a sincere welcome to the delegation members and expressed his appreciation for President Tung’s long-term efforts and outstanding achievements in promoting the development of Asians in the U.S. and cultivating international youth leaders. He praised President Tung, comparing her success to a beacon of light that has illuminated the path and guided the way of many Asian youths. President Han stressed that Asians have long been marginalized in the public policy arena of the U.S., and were once referred to as the “silent Asians” due to their naturally more reserved personality. Thanks to President Tung’s wise leadership and dedicated efforts, however, many Asians have emerged in various sectors and even risen to senior positions in the White House. These accomplishments are undeniably impressive and deserving of admiration.
President Han further noted that although legislators from different parties often have heated debates over differing opinions, which occasionally make international headlines, 55 important bills related to the rights and interests of the people of Taiwan were passed in the first session of the current 11th Legislative Yuan. This demonstrates that all parties can collaborate to benefit the nation and its people. He also hoped that the efforts of the Legislative Yuan for the betterment of society as a whole can be widely acknowledged by all sectors.
President Tung, in her speech, noted that the continuous deepening of Taiwan-U.S. relations and cultivation of young talents will be the focal points for the future development of the International Leadership Foundation. She thanked President Han for inviting representatives from the three major political parties to meet with the delegation members, which fully demonstrates the diversity and partnership spirt of Taiwan’s democracy. She expected to be able to discuss with President Han and the legislators present Taiwan’s future vision and the direction of exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, Legislator Alice Chang mentioned there are 47 female members in the current Legislative Yuan, accounting for 41% of the total 113 members, which showcases the improvements and gender equality achievements in Taiwan’s democratic politics. She admired President Tung’s dedication in cultivating Asian youth leaders and noted that President Han and his family, similarly, care deeply about education issues. In fact, they are committed to providing quality education opportunities to Taiwanese youths, hoping to lay the foundation for the nation’s future development.
Legislator Tsai Yi-Yu commented that even though members of the Legislative Yuan have differing opinions occasionally, their common goal is to help Taiwan enhance its international visibility. He called on all sectors to work together to help Taiwan continue to stand out globally, and thanked the U.S. for its strong support for Taiwan on various international platforms.
Legislator Chen Gao-Tzu expressed her gratitude for President Tung’s continuous efforts in cultivating Asian talents, and asked about the discrimination Asians have faced in the U.S. and other parts of the world after the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, President Tung said they facilitated the donation and distribution of a substantial amount of personal protection equipment (PPE) with Taiwan’s help during the pandemic, contributing to the efforts in combating the pandemic and demonstrating Taiwan’s profound regard for the U.S.
President Han continued to emphasize that Taiwan’s safety relies on three pillars: “protecting the Republic of China (Taiwan),” “safeguarding our democratic system,” and “preserving the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.” The more Taiwan stands out on the world stage and the less marginalized it is, the safer it becomes. Thus, all legislators will continue to promote parliamentary diplomacy to defend Taiwan’s democracy. We also hope that the visiting members can leverage their influence to continue supporting and assisting Taiwan.
President Han mentioned that 15 universities have closed due to the declining birth rate in recent years. It is his sincere hope that renowned universities in the U.S. will establish branches in Taiwan in the future, utilizing existing campuses and facilities for the benefit of local students, as well as to attract students from neighboring countries to Taiwan for overseas studies. He stated that talent is Taiwan’s greatest asset. By deepening its cooperation with higher education institutions in the U.S., Taiwan will be able to keep ahead of global competition.
Both sides exchanged opinions on topics including the direction of Taiwan’s education reform, education exchanges between Taiwan and the U.S., and enhancing Taiwan’s higher education competitiveness in a warm and pleasant atmosphere. The meeting lasted approximately 40 minutes and came to a successful end after taking group photos and exchanging souvenirs.
