On the afternoon of May 1, President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan met with a seven-member delegation from the National Bureau of Asian Research （NBR）, including Admiral John Aquilino. He was joined by KMT Legislator Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang, DPP Legislator Dr. Wang Cheng-Hsu, TPP Legislator Chang Chi-Kai, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Affairs Yang Fang-Ling, and Director General Chang Chia-Cheng of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of North American Affairs.

President Han first extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation, and then joined the legislators and delegation members for a commemorative group photo. President Han noted that the Legislative Yuan is a unicameral body, differing from the bicameral system of the United States Congress. He explained that because all 113 legislators hold significant responsibilities and represent a broad spectrum of the public, their roles are highly meaningful. President Han went on to say that although Taiwan may not appear large on the map, it is a vibrant, kind-hearted, and dynamic island full of vitality. He added that the fact that over 2,000 journalists are registered with the Legislative Yuan demonstrates the keen interest of Chinese-speaking communities around the world in Taiwan’s democratic development. President Han expressed his appreciation for the delegation’s longstanding dedication to Asian affairs research, noting that their work combines theoretical depth with practical value and has made important contributions to the advancement of democracy and freedom in the region. He remarked with earnestness that since President Truman dispatched the Seventh Fleet to patrol the Taiwan Strait in 1950, Taiwan’s steady development over the past 75 years has relied heavily on the longstanding defense support provided by the United States. He added that, in light of the current tensions in U.S.-China relations and global instability, Taiwan all the more requires continued support from the United States. President Han also emphasized that all three major parties within the Legislative Yuan unanimously support strengthening the national defense budget. He expressed hope that Taiwan and the United States will work hand in hand to jointly safeguard peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

KMT Legislator Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang explained to the delegation that Taiwan’s defense budget is steadily increasing, not only in terms of overall expenditure but also through comprehensive improvements in quality and capability. He noted that the budget encompasses weapon procurement and force deployment, while placing greater emphasis on personnel training and talent retention mechanisms. He expressed hope for more opportunities in the future to send outstanding personnel to the United States for professional training, and conveyed his gratitude for the longstanding assistance the United States has provided to Taiwan. Legislator Chen further noted that the Ministry of National Defense released the Republic of China’s Quadrennial Defense Review 2025 (QDR) earlier this year, which clearly states that national defense reform is primarily grounded in steady budget growth and the effective allocation of resources. He expressed hope that Taiwan and the United States will continue to deepen military exchanges and cooperation, expand their security partnership, and work together to contribute to peace in the Taiwan Strait and sustainable development in the region.

DPP Legislator Dr. Wang Cheng-Hsu emphasized that the ruling party fully supports the allocation of the national defense budget, particularly in strengthening hardware capabilities, which is crucial to enhancing Taiwan’s self-defense capacity. He expressed his gratitude to the delegation for their visit and for representing the United States in demonstrating strong support for Taiwan. As a medical doctor, Legislator Wang said he also places particular emphasis on the establishment and enhancement of battlefield medical systems. He noted that in the face of potential future challenges, Taiwan urgently needs to build a comprehensive battlefield medical system at the institutional level, encompassing training standards, practical implementation, and logistical support. He expressed hope that the United States can offer support in these related fields, helping Taiwan to not only strengthen its national defense but also effectively safeguard the lives and well-being of its people.

TPP Legislator Chang Chi-Kai welcomed the delegation to the Legislative Yuan. He remarked that the people of Taiwan are very fond of the American film Top Gun, and praised Admiral Aquilino as a courageous combat officer who has taken part in numerous operations and stood on the frontlines in defense of global democratic values. Legislator Chang expressed his gratitude to the delegation for their support of Taiwan’s self-defense policy, emphasizing that the United States is Taiwan’s most important strategic ally. He stated that Taiwan’s ability to enjoy a free and democratic way of life today has been made possible by the United States’ longstanding and unwavering support, for which the Taiwanese people are deeply grateful.