立法院張裕榮副秘書長於本（9月15）日下午在國際事務處林晨富處長陪同下，接見「美國東南地區州議會領袖」訪團一行7人。
On the afternoon of September 15, Deputy Secretary General Dr. Chang Yu-Jung (張裕榮) of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by Director Kevin C.F. Lin of the Department of International Affairs, met with a seven-member delegation of state legislative leaders from the southeastern United States.
張副秘書長致詞時表示，很榮幸代表立法院及韓國瑜院長，歡迎美國東南地區州議會領袖訪臺，訪團成員涵蓋民主、共和兩黨，展現臺灣議題在美國亦獲跨黨派重視，並感謝訪團成員長期以來對臺灣的支持及對臺海和平的關注。張副秘書長提及，美國東南四州在製造業、航太汽車、物流科技與金融服務等領域各具特色：如肯塔基州以金屬加工、波本威士忌與賽馬聞名；田納西州是物流及先進製造重鎮，並率先將我國華語文能力測驗納入「雙語徽章」認證制度；南卡羅萊納州則以航太、汽車工業著稱，並舉辦「臺灣議題」研討會；喬治亞州素有「南方之都」美譽，亞特蘭大為區域經濟核心，亦透過相關研究與文化推動臺美民間交流。
In his remarks, Deputy Secretary-General Chang expressed that it was a great honor to represent the Legislative Yuan and its President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) in welcoming the delegation of state legislative leaders from the southeastern United States to Taiwan. He noted that the delegation comprises members from both the Democratic and Republican parties, underscoring the cross-party support for Taiwan-related issues in the United States. He also conveyed appreciation for the delegation’s longstanding support for Taiwan and its concern for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Deputy Secretary-General Chang noted that the southeastern states of the United States each possess distinctive strengths in sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace and automotive industries, logistics technology, and financial services. For instance, Kentucky is renowned for its metalworking industry, bourbon whiskey, and horse racing. Tennessee serves as a major hub for logistics and advanced manufacturing, and notably became the first state to include Taiwan’s Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) in its “Seal of Biliteracy” certification system. South Carolina is distinguished for its aerospace and automotive industries, and has also hosted symposiums focusing on Taiwan-related issues. Georgia, often hailed as the “Capital of the South,” is anchored by Atlanta as the region’s economic hub, and has advanced Taiwan–U.S. people-to-people exchanges through academic research and cultural initiatives.
張副秘書長進一步指出，臺美關係奠基於《臺灣關係法》與「六項保證」，雙邊長期合作，亦感謝美方展現對臺灣的堅定支持。今年7月美國國會通過《大而美法案》，強化印太軍力，助益臺灣提升防衛能力。與此同時，我國亦持續提升國防預算，展現自我防衛決心，期待未來雙方在此基礎上持續深化合作。張副秘書長最後強調，本屆立法院於2024年2月開議後，隨即成立「臺美國會議員聯誼會」，由江啟臣副院長擔任榮譽會長，並由國民黨與民進黨各推派一名資深委員擔任共同會長，迄今已有72位立委加入，展現立法院朝野對於深化臺美關係的高度共識。另目前美國已有24州在臺設立辦事處，南卡羅萊納州亦已設據點，展望未來，期盼雙方在更多領域拓展合作，透過互訪交流加深理解與情誼，鞏固彼此堅實夥伴關係。
Deputy Secretary-General Chang further emphasized that Taiwan–U.S. relations are founded upon the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, noting the long-standing cooperation between the two sides and expressing gratitude for the United States’ steadfast support for Taiwan. He noted that in July this year, the U.S. Congress passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which strengthens military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region and contributes to enhancing Taiwan’s defense capacity. At the same time, Taiwan has continued to increase its national defense budget, demonstrating its firm commitment to self-defense. He expressed hope that, building upon this foundation, both sides will continue to deepen their cooperation in the years ahead. In closing, Deputy Secretary General Chang highlighted that shortly after the current Legislative Yuan convened in February 2024, the Legislative Yuan USA Caucus was established, with Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) serving as Honorary Chair. Senior legislators from both the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) were appointed as Co-Chairs. To date, the caucus has drawn the participation of 72 legislators, demonstrating the strong cross-party consensus within the Legislative Yuan on advancing Taiwan-U.S. relations. He further noted that 24 U.S. states have established representative offices in Taiwan, including South Carolina. Looking ahead, he expressed hope that both sides will expand cooperation across an even broader range of fields and, through reciprocal visits and exchanges, deepen mutual understanding and friendship, thereby strengthening the enduring partnership between Taiwan and the United States.
「美國東南地區州議會領袖訪問團」團長威爾森（Mike Wilson）州參議員感謝張副秘書長的熱情接待，並表示此行對他與在座團員而言別具意義，因為這是他們首次訪臺，深刻感受到臺灣人民的友善與熱情。威爾森參議員並特別感謝立法院成立「臺美國會議員聯誼會」，展現跨黨派支持臺美關係的努力，他期盼透過此一平臺持續挹注量能，推動雙邊交流與合作。此外，威爾森參議員肯定臺灣長期以來在各領域的優異表現，尤其在國防安全上的堅定投入，並指出美國多個州已與臺灣展開實質合作，雙方互訪日益頻繁，關係持續深化。他最後強調，面對當前國際複雜情勢，美國始終視臺灣為堅定盟友，將持續重視並支持臺灣安全，與臺灣攜手共同維護民主與區域和平穩定。
Senator Mike Wilson, head of the delegation of state legislative leaders from the southeastern United States, expressed his gratitude to Deputy Secretary General Chang for the warm reception. He remarked that the visit was particularly meaningful for him and his fellow delegates, as it marked their first trip to Taiwan, during which they were deeply impressed by the warmth and friendliness of the Taiwanese people. Senator Wilson also expressed his appreciation for the establishment of the Legislative Yuan USA Caucus, which reflects Taiwan’s cross-party commitment to strengthening Taiwan-U.S. relations. He expressed hope that this platform would continue to serve as a catalyst for advancing bilateral exchanges and cooperation. In addition, Senator Wilson commended Taiwan’s outstanding achievements across various fields, particularly its steadfast commitment to national defense and security. He noted that many U.S. states have already engaged in substantive cooperation with Taiwan, with exchanges between the two sides becoming increasingly frequent and relations continuing to deepen. He concluded by emphasizing that, amid today’s complex international landscape, the United States has always regarded Taiwan as a steadfast ally. He affirmed that the United States will continue to prioritize and support Taiwan’s security, working hand in hand with Taiwan to safeguard democracy and promote peace and stability in the region.
隨後，張副秘書長與訪團成員就氣候變遷、國防安全、臺美關稅、教育留學、少子化對策等議題，進行廣泛意見交換，氣氛友好融洽。此次會晤歷約50分鐘，在互贈紀念品與合影留念後圓滿結束。
Subsequently, Deputy Secretary General Chang and the delegation engaged in extensive discussions on a wide range of topics, including climate change, national security, Taiwan-U.S. trade and tariffs, education and student exchanges, and strategies to address declining birth rates. The meeting took place in a cordial and amicable atmosphere. The meeting lasted approximately 50 minutes and concluded on a warm note with an exchange of souvenirs and a group photo.
