Taipei: Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu departed for France and the United Kingdom on Saturday, leading a multi-party delegation aimed at bolstering parliamentary diplomacy. Speaking at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport before departure, Han said this marked the first time the Legislative Yuan had organized a delegation to visit the two European countries, following invitations from the French Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group and the Council of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Europe (ETCC).
According to Focus Taiwan, the delegation, which includes 10 lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), is scheduled to remain in Europe until May 17. Han noted that Taiwan currently faces a difficult diplomatic situation, stating that “even getting a breath of fresh air internationally is very difficult” for the country. Despite these challenges, he expressed hope that the delegation could effectively convey Taiwan’s strengths to the global community.
Han emphasized five major advantages of Taiwan to his European counterparts, starting with its globally leading semiconductor and contract chipmaking industries. He also highlighted Taiwan’s advanced healthcare system and universal national health insurance program, which he claimed rank among the best in the world. Additionally, Han pointed out that small and medium-sized enterprises constitute more than 95 percent of Taiwan’s businesses, with many emerging as “hidden champions” in global markets, including sectors such as apparel, footwear, sporting goods, and bicycle manufacturing. He also touted Taiwan’s safe, convenient, and comfortable living environment, citing the prevalence of convenience stores, religious and cultural diversity, and public safety.
Most importantly, Han stated that Taiwan is “a 100 percent democratic and free civil society,” emphasizing that democracy has been “engraved into the DNA of the Taiwanese people.” The legislative delegation’s itinerary includes attending the ETCC annual general meeting in London. The group is scheduled to attend a welcome dinner on Friday and the opening of the 32nd ETCC General Assembly the following day.
Members of the delegation include DPP lawmakers Lin Chu-yin, Chiu Yi-ying, Li Po-yi, and Wang Yi-chuan; KMT lawmakers Yang Chiung-ying, Lu Ming-che, and Lo Ting-wei; and TPP lawmaker Chiu Hui-ju. KMT lawmaker Chang Chia-chun is expected to join the group on Monday.