On the evening of October 20, Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) hosted the Legislative Yuan President’s Banquet for the 2025 General Assembly of Council Members of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) at the Grand Hotel Taipei. The event was attended by KMT Legislator Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang, OCAC Minister Hsu Chia-Ching, OCAC Deputy Minister Lee Yen-Hui, and OCAC Vice Minister Chang Liang-Ming, among others.
Following Minister Hsu’s introductory remarks, President Han delivered his address, saying he was honored to join everyone at the Legislative Yuan banquet for the 2025 General Assembly of Council Members of the OCAC. He noted that while the United Kingdom is often called “the empire on which the sun never sets,” Taiwan likewise has “businesspeople and overseas compatriots present wherever the sun shines.”
President Han went on to emphasize that overseas compatriots are Taiwan’s closest family members. Using an ant experiment as a vivid metaphor, he remarked that whenever their homeland is in need, overseas compatriots are always the first to mobilize swiftly, standing united and contributing both financial and practical support. He added that from the recent barrier lake disaster in Hualien, to the major Hualien earthquake, the Taroko Express train accident, and post-disaster reconstruction efforts in Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan, overseas compatriots have consistently demonstrated remarkable generosity and solidarity in helping their homeland overcome adversity. President Han also recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseas Taiwanese businesspeople raised two million face masks at their own expense within a short period to support Taiwan—an act of genuine affection that deeply moved the nation.
President Han stated that every interaction with overseas compatriots fills his heart with warmth. He stressed that even amid differing opinions, everyone should remember that “regardless of party affiliation, Taiwan is our sole focus.”
In closing, President Han raised a glass on behalf of the Legislative Yuan to express its respect for all overseas compatriots. He once again thanked everyone for their contributions and expressed his hope for more opportunities for future exchanges. He emphasized that Taiwan will always be home to all overseas compatriots and warmly welcomed everyone to return often. He concluded by wishing all attendees peace, good health, and success in both family and career.
In his remarks, OCAC representative Johnson Hsiung thanked President Han and Legislator Chen Yong-Kang for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the evening’s event. He stated that overseas compatriots returning to Taiwan would spare no effort in providing the government with firsthand observations from abroad, as well as constructive recommendations for future overseas community affairs. Amid dramatic changes in the international landscape in recent years, Taiwan’s recognition by the international community, he noted, has not come by chance but is the result of the collective efforts built step by step over time. He also invited President Han and members of the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee to visit overseas communities in person when opportunities arise, in order to gain a deeper understanding of overseas community affairs, continue supporting overseas compatriots, and work together to strengthen Taiwan’s international standing.
Following the exchange of commemorative gifts between President Han and Representative Hsiung, the banquet formally commenced. During the event, President Han, accompanied by Legislator Chen and Minister Hsu, visited each table to offer toasts and convey his best wishes to the council members. The banquet lasted approximately two hours, concluding on a high note amid a lively and joyful ambiance.
