Deputy Secretary-General Chang Yu-Jung of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by International Affairs Department Director Kevin C.F. Lin, met with the 10-member delegation of state legislative leaders from the New England region of the United States on the morning of November 20.
Deputy Secretary-General Chang Yu-Jung, representing Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han, warmly received the state legislative leaders from the New England region of the United States. He expressed his heartfelt welcome to the delegation by quoting The Analects of Confucius, "Is it not a delight to have friends come from afar?" He remarked that their long journey to engage with the Legislative Yuan highlights the genuine and friendly nature of Taiwan-U.S. relations. He also extended his congratulations to the legislators present on their recent electoral successes.
Deputy Secretary-General Chang Yu-Jung further highlighted that the current Legislative Yuan comprises three caucuses, with 55 of its 113 members being newly elected legislators. Additionally, 47 of the members are women, accounting for an impressive 41% of the total seats—the highest proportion among parliaments in Asia. Taiwan is a free and democratic nation, and Deputy Secretary-General Chang expressed his gratitude to the attending legislators for their attention to the situation in the Taiwan Strait and their longstanding support for Taiwan. He particularly appreciated the United States' commitment to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act and welcomed the continued deepening of Taiwan-U.S. cooperation in areas such as economic, trade, and investment relations.
Deputy Secretary-General Chang further noted that, as of this year (2024), Taiwan has welcomed 31 U.S. federal senators and representatives, along with three state governors from Texas, Michigan, and Idaho, as well as speakers and leaders from state legislatures. In total, eight delegations comprising 78 distinguished guests from the United States have visited Taiwan. Additionally, the Legislative Yuan has hosted over 30 delegations from various political and academic sectors in the United States. These bilateral exchanges have significantly enhanced interaction and mutual understanding, contributing to the strengthening of Taiwan-U.S. relations. He expressed his hope for greater opportunities for cooperation and exchanges across various fields in the future.
The head of the delegation, Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross of the Maine House of Representatives, began by expressing her appreciation to Deputy Secretary-General Chang Yu-Jung for his warm reception and hospitality. She noted that most members of the delegation were visiting Taiwan for the first time and had been deeply impressed by the country. In recent days, the delegation had met with various Taiwanese government agencies to engage in in-depth discussions on topics such as energy, economics, and trade. She expressed her hope for strengthened Taiwan-U.S. collaboration across multiple sectors in the future, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership.
Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy of the Rhode Island House of Representatives stated that, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston, Taiwan has become a household name throughout the New England region. He noted that an annual "Taiwan Day" event is held in the area, during which Americans enjoy unique Taiwanese treats such as bubble tea, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Taiwan. He further mentioned that Taiwan and the United States share common democratic values and expressed his intention to use this visit to convey the support of the American people for Taiwan. He hoped for further deepening of exchanges in the future and extended his best wishes for the enduring friendship between Taiwan and the United States.
The two sides engaged in extensive and friendly discussions on topics such as Taiwan's political system, the legislative election process, parliamentary procedures, and the participation of Indigenous peoples in politics. The atmosphere was cordial and pleasant. After exchanging gifts and taking group photos, the delegation was accompanied by staff from the International Affairs Department for a guided tour of the Legislative Yuan chamber. During the tour, Director Kevin C.F. Lin and his colleagues exchanged views with the delegation on issues such as the seating arrangements in the chamber, the legislative deliberation process, interpellations, debates, and voting procedures. The 90-minute visit concluded successfully.
