TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), leading a bipartisan delegation to the United States, described the visit as a "breakthrough" and a "big success" on Wednesday (Jan. 22). Han attended U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration and engaged with U.S. governors, high-ranking military officials, and diplomatic envoys, emphasizing the progress made in Taiwan-U.S. relations.
The delegation, comprising legislators from the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), and Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨), held a media briefing before departing Washington, D.C. Han highlighted overcoming initial concerns about attending the inauguration, noting that he and Taiwan's representative to the U.S., Alexander Yui (俞大㵢), gained access to the Capitol Visitor Center's Emancipation Hall.
Han mentioned candid exchanges with U.S. officials and think tanks, focusing on Taiwan-U.S. relations, security, and potential technological, commercial, educational, and cultural collaborations. KMT legislator Ko Chih-en (柯志恩) underscored the delegation's unified stance on Taiwan's concerns, such as the cancellation of double taxation, while DPP legislator Wang Ting-yu (王定宇) noted the historic invitations to key events during the visit.
Despite not meeting with American Institute in Taiwan officials due to pending appointments, the delegation found the visit fruitful. TPP legislator Chen Gau-tzu (陳昭姿) and DPP legislator Chen Kuan-ting (陳冠廷) expressed optimism for future legislative cooperation in Taiwan. Meanwhile, DPP legislator Jean Kuo (郭昱晴) hoped for continued dialogue on critical issues, while Han highlighted potential pharmaceutical collaboration, maritime security, and cybersecurity partnerships.