TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), head of the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, led a bipartisan delegation to Japan Thursday (Sept. 25). The group will meet Japan's parliamentary group, the Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council (日華議員懇談會), and explore the 2025 Osaka World Expo. The visit marks rare bipartisan cooperation between Taiwan's typically feuding political parties.
The 12-member delegation from various political parties departed this morning. Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Johnny Chiang (江啟臣), Secretary-General Chester Chou (周萬來), and Deputy Foreign Minister Baushuan Ger (葛葆萱) saw them off at the airport. Han said the primary reason for the visit was accepting an invitation from Japan's parliamentary group chairman Furuya Keiji (古屋圭司).
The delegation includes Taiwan-Japan Exchange Association vice presidents Hung Mong-kai (洪孟楷) and Huang Shan-shan (黃珊珊), plus legislators from both the opposition Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) and ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨). Han praised the bipartisan cooperation, saying both parties put aside differences for this diplomatic mission. Taiwanese expatriates in Tokyo and Osaka have expressed excitement about meeting the delegation.
The itinerary includes a special dinner with Taiwanese expatriates to strengthen ties through face-to-face interactions. Han emphasized visiting the Taiwan Pavilion at the Osaka Expo, which showcases Taiwan's technological and cultural achievements. He hopes the visit will produce concrete results and strengthen Taiwan-Japan friendship. ◼