President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan leads Taiwan's government delegation in a rigorous schedule of successive meetings with 24 members of the United States Congress; President Han: We sincerely appreciate the longstanding support of members of the United States Congress for Taiwan and look forward to continued collaboration in further deepening our bilateral friendship
On January 21, President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by Ambassador Alexander Tah-Ray Yui and colleagues from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, led the delegation on a fast-paced series of visits to the United States House of Representatives and Senate. In a day of back-to-back meetings, the delegation engaged with 24 key members of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus (CTC) and prominent senators supportive of Taiwan from both major parties, underscoring the significance of deepening parliamentary exchanges between Taiwan and the United States. Before entering the Capitol, President Han spoke to the media, expressing hope that this visit would promote broader cooperation and mutually beneficial development between Taiwan and the United States through parliamentary exchanges. During the visit, the delegation had a cordial chance encounter with a congratulatory delegation of three South Korean members of the National Assembly, engaging in a friendly exchange. During a break between meetings, the delegation was given a guided tour of the Capitol, with a particularly memorable visit to the Rotunda, where President Donald Trump had taken the oath of office the previous day. The experience left a profound impression on the delegation.
The delegation began the day with a morning meeting with Representative Lisa McClain, followed by a luncheon in the House conference room with members of the CTC. The event was hosted by CTC Co-Chair Representative Ami Bera and was attended by 18 pro-Taiwan Representatives from both major parties, each of whom delivered remarks expressing their deep friendship with and steadfast support for Taiwan. In the afternoon, the delegation proceeded to the Senate office buildings for separate meetings with Senator Ted Cruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Senator Pete Ricketts, member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Senator Dan Sullivan, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; and Senator Tammy Duckworth, who serves on both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Additionally, Representative Michael McCaul, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who had led a delegation to Taiwan in May 2024, made a special trip from his Texas district—despite the challenges of a winter storm in Texas—to meet with the delegation in Washington, a gesture that deeply moved President Han.
During meetings with members of the U.S. Congress, President Han first expressed his gratitude to the House of Representatives for passing the United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act on January 15 in a landslide. He urged the senators present to strongly support the bill as well, enabling the enactment of this long-negotiated legislation—more than 40 years in the making—at the earliest possible date. President Han emphasized that the bill's implementation would bolster economic and trade investment opportunities for businesses in both countries and create more job opportunities for their citizens. President Han further stated that Taiwan is the United States' most steadfast democratic ally and a key economic and trade partner. He emphasized that the two countries share fundamental, universal values, and that within the broader framework of Taiwan-U.S. relations, parliamentary exchanges play a particularly critical role. Given Taiwan's unique international circumstances, parliamentary exchanges have become an essential channel for cooperation between Taiwan and the United States. President Han expressed hope for more frequent and robust exchanges in the future. Additionally, President Han conveyed his concern and condolences to the members of Congress regarding the casualties and damage caused by the wildfires in California and the winter storm in Texas. He expressed hope that the affected communities would soon rebuild their homes and return to normal life, while also affirming Taiwan’s willingness to provide any necessary assistance if needed. The two sides also held extensive discussions on a wide range of topics, including high-tech industry and talent exchanges, support for Taiwan’s international participation, cooperation in artificial intelligence, President Trump's announcement of the United States' withdrawal from the WHO, the U.S.-China trade imbalance and tariff war, confirmation hearings for the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and incoming cabinet members, deepening Taiwan-U.S. economic relations, the Russia-Ukraine war, China’s use of gray-zone tactics and escalating economic coercion against Taiwan, as well as strengthening Taiwan's asymmetric deterrence capabilities. Both sides found the exchanges highly rewarding. President Han concluded by warmly inviting the congressional friends to visit Taiwan again at their convenience, so that the Legislative Yuan could have the honor of hosting them with the utmost hospitality.
That evening, Ambassador Alexander Tah-Ray Yui hosted a welcome banquet at Twin Oaks Estate in honor of President Han and the delegation’s visit to the United States to attend the 60th U.S. Presidential Inauguration. The event was attended by friends from Washington’s prominent think tanks and honorary overseas community affairs representatives. In his remarks, President Han expressed three points of gratitude. First, he thanked Ambassador Alexander Tah-Ray Yui and the entire team at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for their meticulous arrangements and dedicated efforts in facilitating the delegation’s visit. Second, he expressed his gratitude to the United States government, Congress, and friends from various sectors for their longstanding support for Taiwan. Third, he expressed his heartfelt thanks to the overseas Taiwanese community for their enduring connection to their homeland and their unwavering support for Taiwan. President Han concluded by noting that the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac is coming to an end, ushering in the Year of the Snake. He explained that while the dragon symbolizes strength and vigor, the Snake represents flexibility, harmony, and hopes for a bountiful harvest. To mark the occasion, President Han, together with the delegation’s legislators, presented limited-edition Kinmen Kaoliang liquor, offering heartfelt wishes for health, prosperity, and good fortune to all the distinguished guests in attendance. The banquet unfolded in a warm and friendly atmosphere, lasting approximately two hours. It provided a perfect conclusion to a day marked by a busy schedule of meetings with members of the United States Congress and a joyful gathering with the overseas Taiwanese community.
The delegation began the day with a morning meeting with Representative Lisa McClain, followed by a luncheon in the House conference room with members of the CTC. The event was hosted by CTC Co-Chair Representative Ami Bera and was attended by 18 pro-Taiwan Representatives from both major parties, each of whom delivered remarks expressing their deep friendship with and steadfast support for Taiwan. In the afternoon, the delegation proceeded to the Senate office buildings for separate meetings with Senator Ted Cruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Senator Pete Ricketts, member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Senator Dan Sullivan, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; and Senator Tammy Duckworth, who serves on both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Additionally, Representative Michael McCaul, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who had led a delegation to Taiwan in May 2024, made a special trip from his Texas district—despite the challenges of a winter storm in Texas—to meet with the delegation in Washington, a gesture that deeply moved President Han.
During meetings with members of the U.S. Congress, President Han first expressed his gratitude to the House of Representatives for passing the United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act on January 15 in a landslide. He urged the senators present to strongly support the bill as well, enabling the enactment of this long-negotiated legislation—more than 40 years in the making—at the earliest possible date. President Han emphasized that the bill's implementation would bolster economic and trade investment opportunities for businesses in both countries and create more job opportunities for their citizens. President Han further stated that Taiwan is the United States' most steadfast democratic ally and a key economic and trade partner. He emphasized that the two countries share fundamental, universal values, and that within the broader framework of Taiwan-U.S. relations, parliamentary exchanges play a particularly critical role. Given Taiwan's unique international circumstances, parliamentary exchanges have become an essential channel for cooperation between Taiwan and the United States. President Han expressed hope for more frequent and robust exchanges in the future. Additionally, President Han conveyed his concern and condolences to the members of Congress regarding the casualties and damage caused by the wildfires in California and the winter storm in Texas. He expressed hope that the affected communities would soon rebuild their homes and return to normal life, while also affirming Taiwan’s willingness to provide any necessary assistance if needed. The two sides also held extensive discussions on a wide range of topics, including high-tech industry and talent exchanges, support for Taiwan’s international participation, cooperation in artificial intelligence, President Trump's announcement of the United States' withdrawal from the WHO, the U.S.-China trade imbalance and tariff war, confirmation hearings for the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and incoming cabinet members, deepening Taiwan-U.S. economic relations, the Russia-Ukraine war, China’s use of gray-zone tactics and escalating economic coercion against Taiwan, as well as strengthening Taiwan's asymmetric deterrence capabilities. Both sides found the exchanges highly rewarding. President Han concluded by warmly inviting the congressional friends to visit Taiwan again at their convenience, so that the Legislative Yuan could have the honor of hosting them with the utmost hospitality.
That evening, Ambassador Alexander Tah-Ray Yui hosted a welcome banquet at Twin Oaks Estate in honor of President Han and the delegation’s visit to the United States to attend the 60th U.S. Presidential Inauguration. The event was attended by friends from Washington’s prominent think tanks and honorary overseas community affairs representatives. In his remarks, President Han expressed three points of gratitude. First, he thanked Ambassador Alexander Tah-Ray Yui and the entire team at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for their meticulous arrangements and dedicated efforts in facilitating the delegation’s visit. Second, he expressed his gratitude to the United States government, Congress, and friends from various sectors for their longstanding support for Taiwan. Third, he expressed his heartfelt thanks to the overseas Taiwanese community for their enduring connection to their homeland and their unwavering support for Taiwan. President Han concluded by noting that the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac is coming to an end, ushering in the Year of the Snake. He explained that while the dragon symbolizes strength and vigor, the Snake represents flexibility, harmony, and hopes for a bountiful harvest. To mark the occasion, President Han, together with the delegation’s legislators, presented limited-edition Kinmen Kaoliang liquor, offering heartfelt wishes for health, prosperity, and good fortune to all the distinguished guests in attendance. The banquet unfolded in a warm and friendly atmosphere, lasting approximately two hours. It provided a perfect conclusion to a day marked by a busy schedule of meetings with members of the United States Congress and a joyful gathering with the overseas Taiwanese community.