Deputy Secretary General Chang Yu-Jung receives nine-member delegation from the Flemish Parliament of Belgium
On the afternoon of September 15, Deputy Secretary General Dr. Chang Yu-Jung (張裕榮) of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by International Affairs Department Director Kevin C.F. Lin, received a delegation of members of the Flemish Parliament of Belgium. Also in attendance was Senior Specialist Chen Ya-Chen of the Department of European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On behalf of the Legislative Yuan and its President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜), Deputy Secretary General Chang opened the meeting by extending a sincere welcome to the delegation, led by MP Karl Vanlouwe. Deputy Secretary General Chang noted that since the Middle Ages, the Flemish Region of Belgium has been a stronghold of commerce and culture in Europe, nurturing art masters such as Peter Paul Rubens and Pieter Bruegel, whose works are considered immortal cultural treasures. Today, with the Port of Antwerp as its hub, the Flemish Region is a center of shipping, technology, and innovation in Europe, reflecting historical depth as well as modern vitality.
In May 2025, added Deputy Secretary General Chang, the Flemish Parliament passed the resolution “On strengthening the economic cooperation with Taiwan,” demonstrating once again its steadfast support for Taiwan. The resolution not only expressed concern over China’s military threats against Taiwan and their potential impact on peace and supply chain security in Europe and globally, but also underscored Taiwan’s strategic importance in global trade and the semiconductor industry. It further called for deepening economic cooperation between Taiwan and the Flemish Region, and for supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. This action carried significant meaning for Taiwan, for which we are deeply grateful.
Deputy Secretary General Chang also remarked that, for a long time, members of this visiting delegation have voiced concern and support for Taiwan. MP Vanlouwe, in particular, has long been a steadfast advocate for Taiwan. He not only spearheaded the co-signing of the letter by the Formosa Club in Europe endorsing Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA), but also successfully rallied fellow senators from his party to join the effort, thus providing timely and invaluable support to Taiwan in the face of challenging international circumstances. Deputy Secretary General Chang highlighted that MP Vanlouwe is indeed a true friend of Taiwan.
He also mentioned that upon the commencement of the 11th Legislative Yuan, the Taiwan–Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg Parliamentary Friendship Association was promptly established, reflecting the Legislative Yuan’s strong commitment to deepening parliamentary relations with the Belgian Parliament. In recent years, economic and trade exchanges between Taiwan and Belgium have yielded fruitful results. In 2024, bilateral trade value between the two countries exceeded US$3 billion, marking a more than twofold increase between 2020 and 2025. Moreover, the first-ever “Belgium-Taiwan Business Award” took place in July this year, recognizing the outstanding performance of several Belgian enterprises in Taiwan. As both countries share complementary strengths in areas such as proton therapy, offshore wind energy, semiconductor materials, food products, and culture, bilateral cooperation holds great promise for the future. Deputy Secretary General Chang noted that the Legislative Yuan looks forward to seeing more fruits of bilateral collaboration in the future. He expressed his belief that continued interaction and exchange will enable Taiwan and the Flemish Region to forge an even more robust partnership across many fields, including economy, technology, culture, and education.
MP Vanlouwe, head of the delegation, thanked Deputy Secretary General Chang for taking the time to meet with them. He emphasized that the delegation comprised members from different political parties, yet they stood united in defending democratic values, supporting Taiwan, and safeguarding shared interests. In the face of growing global challenges, MP Vanlouwe added, the people of Belgium and Taiwan remain equally committed to defending democracy and prosperity. He stressed that Taiwan has achieved remarkable results in social resilience, democratic values, and innovation, highlighting that Belgium also looks forward to more interactions between universities, research institutions, and civil societies on both sides, in order to deepen cooperation in trade, education, and culture. MP Vanlouwe reiterated that both Taiwan and Belgium are relatively small nations; however, through unity and cooperation, we can continue to safeguard our proud achievements in sovereignty, dignity, democracy, freedom, and economic prosperity.
During the subsequent exchanges, the Belgian guests actively engaged in discussions, raising questions on a wide range of topics, including Taiwan’s petition system, policy priorities, legislative procedures, the “Open Parliament” action plan, disinformation & misinformation, increasing the defense budget, and academic collaboration. The meeting lasted about 40 minutes in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. It concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts and the taking of group photos, marking a successful and memorable end to the visit.
On behalf of the Legislative Yuan and its President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜), Deputy Secretary General Chang opened the meeting by extending a sincere welcome to the delegation, led by MP Karl Vanlouwe. Deputy Secretary General Chang noted that since the Middle Ages, the Flemish Region of Belgium has been a stronghold of commerce and culture in Europe, nurturing art masters such as Peter Paul Rubens and Pieter Bruegel, whose works are considered immortal cultural treasures. Today, with the Port of Antwerp as its hub, the Flemish Region is a center of shipping, technology, and innovation in Europe, reflecting historical depth as well as modern vitality.
In May 2025, added Deputy Secretary General Chang, the Flemish Parliament passed the resolution “On strengthening the economic cooperation with Taiwan,” demonstrating once again its steadfast support for Taiwan. The resolution not only expressed concern over China’s military threats against Taiwan and their potential impact on peace and supply chain security in Europe and globally, but also underscored Taiwan’s strategic importance in global trade and the semiconductor industry. It further called for deepening economic cooperation between Taiwan and the Flemish Region, and for supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. This action carried significant meaning for Taiwan, for which we are deeply grateful.
Deputy Secretary General Chang also remarked that, for a long time, members of this visiting delegation have voiced concern and support for Taiwan. MP Vanlouwe, in particular, has long been a steadfast advocate for Taiwan. He not only spearheaded the co-signing of the letter by the Formosa Club in Europe endorsing Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA), but also successfully rallied fellow senators from his party to join the effort, thus providing timely and invaluable support to Taiwan in the face of challenging international circumstances. Deputy Secretary General Chang highlighted that MP Vanlouwe is indeed a true friend of Taiwan.
He also mentioned that upon the commencement of the 11th Legislative Yuan, the Taiwan–Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg Parliamentary Friendship Association was promptly established, reflecting the Legislative Yuan’s strong commitment to deepening parliamentary relations with the Belgian Parliament. In recent years, economic and trade exchanges between Taiwan and Belgium have yielded fruitful results. In 2024, bilateral trade value between the two countries exceeded US$3 billion, marking a more than twofold increase between 2020 and 2025. Moreover, the first-ever “Belgium-Taiwan Business Award” took place in July this year, recognizing the outstanding performance of several Belgian enterprises in Taiwan. As both countries share complementary strengths in areas such as proton therapy, offshore wind energy, semiconductor materials, food products, and culture, bilateral cooperation holds great promise for the future. Deputy Secretary General Chang noted that the Legislative Yuan looks forward to seeing more fruits of bilateral collaboration in the future. He expressed his belief that continued interaction and exchange will enable Taiwan and the Flemish Region to forge an even more robust partnership across many fields, including economy, technology, culture, and education.
MP Vanlouwe, head of the delegation, thanked Deputy Secretary General Chang for taking the time to meet with them. He emphasized that the delegation comprised members from different political parties, yet they stood united in defending democratic values, supporting Taiwan, and safeguarding shared interests. In the face of growing global challenges, MP Vanlouwe added, the people of Belgium and Taiwan remain equally committed to defending democracy and prosperity. He stressed that Taiwan has achieved remarkable results in social resilience, democratic values, and innovation, highlighting that Belgium also looks forward to more interactions between universities, research institutions, and civil societies on both sides, in order to deepen cooperation in trade, education, and culture. MP Vanlouwe reiterated that both Taiwan and Belgium are relatively small nations; however, through unity and cooperation, we can continue to safeguard our proud achievements in sovereignty, dignity, democracy, freedom, and economic prosperity.
During the subsequent exchanges, the Belgian guests actively engaged in discussions, raising questions on a wide range of topics, including Taiwan’s petition system, policy priorities, legislative procedures, the “Open Parliament” action plan, disinformation & misinformation, increasing the defense budget, and academic collaboration. The meeting lasted about 40 minutes in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. It concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts and the taking of group photos, marking a successful and memorable end to the visit.