Taoyuan: Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu departed on Sunday, leading a cross-party delegation on a six-day visit to the United States. The trip includes strategic visits to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s (TSMC) Arizona complex and meetings in Washington, D.C.
According to Focus Taiwan, the trip was facilitated by an invitation from a Taiwan-friendly caucus in the U.S. Congress, highlighting the importance of fostering closer Taiwan-U.S. exchanges through "parliamentary diplomacy." Han, a member of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), emphasized the diplomatic significance of the visit before leaving from Taoyuan International Airport.
The delegation comprises eight lawmakers: three from the KMT, one from the Taiwan People's Party, and three from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, alongside Han. Their itinerary includes a visit to the TSMC manufacturing complex in Phoenix, Arizona, and a banquet with overseas Taiwanese.
In Washington, D.C., the group plans to engage with U.S. senators, members of the House of Representatives, and senior government officials. They will also attend a banquet hosted by Taiwan's representative to the United States, Alexander Yui. The delegation will return to Taiwan on Friday aboard EVA Airways' inaugural direct flight from Washington, D.C., a move seen as symbolizing deepening ties between the two nations.