Taipei: Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te expressed his readiness to present a national affairs report to the Legislative Yuan following a significant meeting with leaders of the five branches of government at the Presidential Office. This historic gathering, held in conjunction with the Lunar New Year celebrations, marked the first instance where heads of the Executive Yuan, Legislative Yuan, Judicial Yuan, Examination Yuan, and Control Yuan convened at the president’s invitation.

According to Focus Taiwan, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo revealed that President Lai personally thanked Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu for the opportunity to address the lawmakers. Lai emphasized his eagerness to engage with the Legislative Yuan in accordance with constitutional procedures. The meeting, lasting an hour and a half, covered a range of pressing issues, including the general budget, U.S. tariffs, the Fiscal Equalization Act, and arms procurement legislation.

Han Kuo-yu mentioned to reporters that he had invited President Lai to elucidate the current situation of the Republic of China and discuss key issues that require the legislature’s attention. He assured that the Legislative Yuan would prioritize this session, which is expected to include a question-and-answer segment.

President Lai highlighted the joint responsibility of the five branch leaders to foster national unity and progress. He urged for transformation of misunderstandings into understanding and division into unity, stressing the importance of taking the first step towards national, societal, and public welfare, despite acknowledging the challenges involved.

Han remarked that the meeting set a positive precedent, demonstrating that despite intense political confrontations, there remains a human side to politics. He noted that certain legislative bills and budget proposals, particularly concerning the Central Government General Budget and special arms procurement, are of particular interest to President Lai and other branch heads.

In a subsequent Facebook post, Executive Yuan leader Cho Jung-tai described the meeting as a promising first step in national development for the new year, underscoring that unity requires ongoing communication and shared achievements.