Legislative Speaker and leader of the cross-party delegation that attended U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) was quoted on Wednesday saying their visit was “a big hit” and “a breakthrough.” Han said they had the opportunity to watch the ceremony alongside governors of various U.S. states and senior military personnel; they also spoke with a number of officials in charge of U.S.-Taiwan affairs in the new administration.
Han and Taiwan Representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui (俞大㵢) were admitted to Emancipation Hall of the Capitol Visitor Center to witness the ceremony, dispelling initial misgivings regarding whether any members of the Taiwanese delegation would be able to attend. He said they were seated only 25 meters away from Trump.
The delegation was able to conduct candid and in-depth exchanges with administrative officials responsible for Asian affairs and representatives of think tanks on topics such as Taiwan’s security and bilateral exchanges in technology, commerce, education, and culture.
According to Han, DPP legislator Wang Ting-yu (王定宇) mentioned the issue of maritime patrol during these exchanges, while TPP member Chen Gau Tzu (陳昭姿) raised the possibility of pharmaceutical cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. KMT legislator Ko Ju-chun (葛如鈞) additionally pointed out that the two nations should have ample opportunities this coming year to deepen cooperation in fields such as information security, energy security, and artificial intelligence.
The delegation has departed from New York and is scheduled to return to Taiwan Friday morning.