Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny C. Chiang meets with delegation of senior journalists from the East West Center's Jefferson Fellowship Program. Vice President Chiang: We are grateful to the East West Center’s dedication to establishing a regional dialogue platform to promote global peace.
立法院江啟臣副院長於本（12月17）日下午在國民黨陳永康委員、民進黨莊瑞雄委員、民眾黨張啓楷委員及國際事務處楊芳苓副處長等人陪同下，接見美國智庫「東西中心」（East West Center）「傑佛森獎學金計畫」（Jefferson Fellowship）資深記者訪問團一行12人。
On the afternoon of December 17, Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny C. Chiang, accompanied by KMT Legislator Chen Yeong-Kang, DPP Legislator Chuang Jui-Hsiung, TPP Legislator Chang Chi-Kai, and Deputy Director of the Department of International Affairs Yang Fang-Ling, met with a delegation of 12 senior journalists from the East-West Center's Jefferson Fellowship Program.
江副院長首先誠摯歡迎訪賓蒞臨，並偕在場委員與訪賓合影後表示，非常榮幸代表韓國瑜院長接見美國「東西中心」來自美國及亞太地區的傑出資深記者朋友們。江副院長讚揚該中心是美國研究印太地區的頂尖智庫之一，自1960年由美國國會提案創立以來，已成為搭建區域對話、推動經濟發展的重要平台，尤其「傑佛森獎學金」計畫已成功透過資深媒體人的跨國研習及報導，強化公眾對美國及印太地區的瞭解，同時也是全世界認識台灣的重要管道。江副院長續謂立法院是台灣民意政治中心，透過來訪交流可以在最短時間內瞭解台灣民主政治現狀，包含台灣內部政策、對外關係、兩岸關係、經濟及國家安全等各領域議題，今年適逢台美兩國總統大選，訪團今日到來，有助於開展兩國未來的對話與發展。
Vice President Johnny C. Chiang warmly welcomed the visiting delegation and, after taking a group photo with the attending legislators and guests, expressed his great honor to represent President Daniel K.Y. Han in receiving the distinguished senior journalists from the East West Center visiting from the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region. Vice President Chiang praised the East West Center as one of the leading U.S. think tanks focused on Indo-Pacific studies. Since its establishment in 1960 through a U.S. Congressional initiative, the center has become a vital platform for fostering regional dialogue and promoting economic development. He highlighted the Jefferson Fellowship Program in particular, which has successfully enhanced public understanding of the U.S. and the Indo-Pacific region through international fellowships and reporting by senior media professionals. The program has also served as an important avenue for introducing Taiwan to the world. Vice President Chiang further noted that the Legislative Yuan is the center of representative politics in Taiwan. He added that, through this visit, the delegation can quickly gain an understanding of Taiwan's democratic political landscape, including domestic policies, foreign relations, cross-strait relations, economic issues, and national security. With both Taiwan and the U.S. holding presidential elections this year, the delegation's visit today has contributed to fostering dialogue and future development between the two nations.
團長揚布拉德(Steven YOUNGBLOOD)計畫協調人說明該中心是位於夏威夷檀香山的非營利機構，宗旨在於探討美國與亞洲地區所面臨的區域與全球問題，「傑佛森獎學金」計畫即在探討亞太地區所面臨的區域衝突之重要計畫。他繼稱該中心約有50名來自台灣的校友參與交流，彰顯台美關係的緊密，再次感謝立法院安排此次參訪。
Program coordinator Steven Youngblood, serving as the delegation’s leader, explained that the East West Center is a nonprofit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii, dedicated to addressing regional and global issues faced by the U.S. and Asia. He highlighted that the Jefferson Fellowship Program is a significant initiative focused on examining regional conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region. He further noted that the center has approximately 50 alumni from Taiwan who have participated in its exchanges, reflecting the close relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Legislative Yuan for arranging this visit.
雙邊交流時，陳永康委員首先表示台灣社會目前的生育率低，加上人口老化，建議台灣可向美國學習生育及移民政策。他另提到軍事預算不應只是限於購買防衛性武器，也可選送軍事人才到美國接受教育及訓練，以培養優質的自我防衛人力。在經濟方面，他也提到台美可深化合作朝穩定供應鏈方向努力。
During the bilateral exchange, Legislator Chen Yeong-Kang first pointed out that Taiwan is currently facing challenges in terms of its low birth rate and aging population. He suggested that Taiwan can learn from the U.S. on policies regarding birth rates and immigration. He also emphasized that Taiwan’s military budget spending should not be limited to purchasing defensive weapons but should also include sending military personnel to the U.S. for education and training to develop high-quality self-defense capabilities. On economic matters, he mentioned that Taiwan and the U.S. could deepen their cooperation by working together to ensure supply chain stability.
莊瑞雄委員表示，台灣不分黨派皆一致支持提升國防戰力、增加國防預算與自我防衛能力，此節與美國的目標一致，都希望印太地區保持和平與穩定，雖然各政黨在立法院時有攻防，但對於國防政策與國家安全皆有高度共識，必定將國家安全放第一位，因為我們立足於這片土地並賴以維生。
Legislator Chuang Jui-Hsiung stated that regardless of political affiliation, each party in Taiwan unanimously supports enhancing the country’s defensive capabilities, increasing the defense budget, and strengthening self-defense. As such, these directives align with the U.S.’ goal of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He acknowledged that while parties may clash in the Legislative Yuan, there is a strong consensus on strengthening self-defense and ensuring national security. Ultimately, all parties prioritize national security as peace is essential for the survival and prosperity of the Taiwanese people.
張啓楷委員首先代表民眾黨歡迎訪賓，他繼說明在擔任立法委員前和訪賓同為資深媒體人，曾在立法院採訪公共政策及政府預算等相關議題，並打趣道自己也有資格申請參加「傑佛森獎學金」計畫，希望藉此機會與訪賓們交流分享經驗。
Legislator Chang Chi-Kai, on behalf of the Taiwan People's Party, welcomed the visiting delegation. He explained that before serving as a legislator, he was also a senior journalist covering public policy and government budget issues in the Legislative Yuan. Jokingly, he remarked that he also technically qualifies to apply for the Jefferson Fellowship Program. He expressed his hope that this visit may serve as an opportunity to exchange experiences and share insights with the visiting journalists.
雙方嗣後就兩岸關係、國防支出、區域威脅、全民國防、經濟政策等議題廣泛交換意見，氣氛熱絡融洽，在雙方互贈禮品及合影後，由國際事務處同仁陪同參觀議場，此次拜會歷約90分鐘圓滿落幕。
Both sides subsequently engaged in extensive discussions on topics such as cross-strait relations, defense spending, regional threats, national defense for all citizens, and economic policies in a warm and cordial atmosphere. After exchanging gifts and taking group photos, the delegation was accompanied by staff from the Department of International Affairs for a tour of the Chamber Hall. The meeting lasted approximately 90 minutes and concluded successfully.
On the afternoon of December 17, Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny C. Chiang, accompanied by KMT Legislator Chen Yeong-Kang, DPP Legislator Chuang Jui-Hsiung, TPP Legislator Chang Chi-Kai, and Deputy Director of the Department of International Affairs Yang Fang-Ling, met with a delegation of 12 senior journalists from the East-West Center's Jefferson Fellowship Program.
江副院長首先誠摯歡迎訪賓蒞臨，並偕在場委員與訪賓合影後表示，非常榮幸代表韓國瑜院長接見美國「東西中心」來自美國及亞太地區的傑出資深記者朋友們。江副院長讚揚該中心是美國研究印太地區的頂尖智庫之一，自1960年由美國國會提案創立以來，已成為搭建區域對話、推動經濟發展的重要平台，尤其「傑佛森獎學金」計畫已成功透過資深媒體人的跨國研習及報導，強化公眾對美國及印太地區的瞭解，同時也是全世界認識台灣的重要管道。江副院長續謂立法院是台灣民意政治中心，透過來訪交流可以在最短時間內瞭解台灣民主政治現狀，包含台灣內部政策、對外關係、兩岸關係、經濟及國家安全等各領域議題，今年適逢台美兩國總統大選，訪團今日到來，有助於開展兩國未來的對話與發展。
Vice President Johnny C. Chiang warmly welcomed the visiting delegation and, after taking a group photo with the attending legislators and guests, expressed his great honor to represent President Daniel K.Y. Han in receiving the distinguished senior journalists from the East West Center visiting from the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region. Vice President Chiang praised the East West Center as one of the leading U.S. think tanks focused on Indo-Pacific studies. Since its establishment in 1960 through a U.S. Congressional initiative, the center has become a vital platform for fostering regional dialogue and promoting economic development. He highlighted the Jefferson Fellowship Program in particular, which has successfully enhanced public understanding of the U.S. and the Indo-Pacific region through international fellowships and reporting by senior media professionals. The program has also served as an important avenue for introducing Taiwan to the world. Vice President Chiang further noted that the Legislative Yuan is the center of representative politics in Taiwan. He added that, through this visit, the delegation can quickly gain an understanding of Taiwan's democratic political landscape, including domestic policies, foreign relations, cross-strait relations, economic issues, and national security. With both Taiwan and the U.S. holding presidential elections this year, the delegation's visit today has contributed to fostering dialogue and future development between the two nations.
團長揚布拉德(Steven YOUNGBLOOD)計畫協調人說明該中心是位於夏威夷檀香山的非營利機構，宗旨在於探討美國與亞洲地區所面臨的區域與全球問題，「傑佛森獎學金」計畫即在探討亞太地區所面臨的區域衝突之重要計畫。他繼稱該中心約有50名來自台灣的校友參與交流，彰顯台美關係的緊密，再次感謝立法院安排此次參訪。
Program coordinator Steven Youngblood, serving as the delegation’s leader, explained that the East West Center is a nonprofit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii, dedicated to addressing regional and global issues faced by the U.S. and Asia. He highlighted that the Jefferson Fellowship Program is a significant initiative focused on examining regional conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region. He further noted that the center has approximately 50 alumni from Taiwan who have participated in its exchanges, reflecting the close relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Legislative Yuan for arranging this visit.
雙邊交流時，陳永康委員首先表示台灣社會目前的生育率低，加上人口老化，建議台灣可向美國學習生育及移民政策。他另提到軍事預算不應只是限於購買防衛性武器，也可選送軍事人才到美國接受教育及訓練，以培養優質的自我防衛人力。在經濟方面，他也提到台美可深化合作朝穩定供應鏈方向努力。
During the bilateral exchange, Legislator Chen Yeong-Kang first pointed out that Taiwan is currently facing challenges in terms of its low birth rate and aging population. He suggested that Taiwan can learn from the U.S. on policies regarding birth rates and immigration. He also emphasized that Taiwan’s military budget spending should not be limited to purchasing defensive weapons but should also include sending military personnel to the U.S. for education and training to develop high-quality self-defense capabilities. On economic matters, he mentioned that Taiwan and the U.S. could deepen their cooperation by working together to ensure supply chain stability.
莊瑞雄委員表示，台灣不分黨派皆一致支持提升國防戰力、增加國防預算與自我防衛能力，此節與美國的目標一致，都希望印太地區保持和平與穩定，雖然各政黨在立法院時有攻防，但對於國防政策與國家安全皆有高度共識，必定將國家安全放第一位，因為我們立足於這片土地並賴以維生。
Legislator Chuang Jui-Hsiung stated that regardless of political affiliation, each party in Taiwan unanimously supports enhancing the country’s defensive capabilities, increasing the defense budget, and strengthening self-defense. As such, these directives align with the U.S.’ goal of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He acknowledged that while parties may clash in the Legislative Yuan, there is a strong consensus on strengthening self-defense and ensuring national security. Ultimately, all parties prioritize national security as peace is essential for the survival and prosperity of the Taiwanese people.
張啓楷委員首先代表民眾黨歡迎訪賓，他繼說明在擔任立法委員前和訪賓同為資深媒體人，曾在立法院採訪公共政策及政府預算等相關議題，並打趣道自己也有資格申請參加「傑佛森獎學金」計畫，希望藉此機會與訪賓們交流分享經驗。
Legislator Chang Chi-Kai, on behalf of the Taiwan People's Party, welcomed the visiting delegation. He explained that before serving as a legislator, he was also a senior journalist covering public policy and government budget issues in the Legislative Yuan. Jokingly, he remarked that he also technically qualifies to apply for the Jefferson Fellowship Program. He expressed his hope that this visit may serve as an opportunity to exchange experiences and share insights with the visiting journalists.
雙方嗣後就兩岸關係、國防支出、區域威脅、全民國防、經濟政策等議題廣泛交換意見，氣氛熱絡融洽，在雙方互贈禮品及合影後，由國際事務處同仁陪同參觀議場，此次拜會歷約90分鐘圓滿落幕。
Both sides subsequently engaged in extensive discussions on topics such as cross-strait relations, defense spending, regional threats, national defense for all citizens, and economic policies in a warm and cordial atmosphere. After exchanging gifts and taking group photos, the delegation was accompanied by staff from the Department of International Affairs for a tour of the Chamber Hall. The meeting lasted approximately 90 minutes and concluded successfully.