Han Kuo-yu Meets US Senator: Pledges to Assist in Review of Special Defense Budget
Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu met with US Senator Jim Banks, emphasizing national security and pledging to facilitate the review of the special defense budget. Senator Banks affirmed continued deepening of US-Taiwan cooperation due to shared democratic values and recognition of China's threat. Han also hosted a delegation from the North American Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, highlighting the importance of overseas Taiwanese communities.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 21:41
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 22:00 (19 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 19:24 (165h 24m after Collected)
Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu today met with US Federal Senator Jim Banks and his delegation, accompanied by Kuomintang Legislator Chen Yung-kang, Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chen Kuan-ting, and Taiwan People's Party Legislator Wang An-hsiang.
Han Kuo-yu stated that the Legislative Yuan, regardless of party affiliation, places great importance on national security. He praised Banks as a patriotic statesman who took leave from his duties as an Indiana state senator to serve in Afghanistan, demonstrating the military qualities of 'nation, responsibility, honor,' which is deeply admirable.
Han Kuo-yu pointed out that compared to the US Congress, where committees primarily drive legislation, the Legislative Yuan's system and organizational structure require the President to convene consultations to resolve stalled bills.
Senator Banks stated that although this was his first visit to Taiwan, he has always firmly supported Taiwan in the US Congress. Because Taiwan and the US share values of freedom and democracy, and fully recognize the threat China poses to the US, Taiwan, and the world, he will continue to deepen US-Taiwan cooperation during his tenure and will share his observations from Taiwan with his colleagues upon his return.
Banks noted that US congressional support for Taiwan is a bipartisan consensus. US President Donald Trump is also committed to increasing US defense spending and is highly concerned about Taiwan's defense issues. He believes Taiwan will be able to invest more resources to demonstrate its determination to consolidate national security and looks forward to Taiwan successfully passing the special budget, wishing a successful conclusion to the party caucus consultation on the 9th.
Han Kuo-yu stated that he will do his best to assist in completing the review of the special defense budget, conveying Taiwan's determination to invest resources in national defense to the world, and believes that international friends will continue to support Taiwan.
In addition, Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu today hosted a banquet for the 38th 'North American Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Joint Federation's' 'Taiwanese Businessmen Returning to Taiwan for Visits and Investment Study Tour.' He stated that the Legislative Yuan will continue to uphold the spirit of 'no blue, green, or white in our eyes, only Taiwan in our hearts,' and prioritize the needs of overseas compatriots and Taiwanese businesses.
Han Kuo-yu said in his speech that since its establishment in 1988, the 'North American Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Joint Federation' has gathered the energy of 35 regional chambers of commerce, not only dedicated to business development but also always concerned about Taiwan.
Han Kuo-yu expressed gratitude to overseas Taiwanese businesses for their long-term support of Taiwan. Whether it was the Texas floods or Typhoon Dujuan, Taiwanese businesses have generously donated and provided emergency assistance, demonstrating Taiwan's spirit of mutual aid to the international community. During the severe damage caused by the collapse of the Matai'an River in Hualien County, Taiwanese businesses also actively participated in disaster relief and reconstruction, showing deep camaraderie.
Han Kuo-yu pointed out that defense, diplomacy, and overseas Chinese affairs are the three major tasks of the government. Although overseas Chinese affairs may not be as prominent as other areas, they are crucial for emotional connections. The Legislative Yuan will continue to uphold the spirit of 'no blue, green, or white in our eyes, only Taiwan in our hearts,' and prioritize the needs of overseas compatriots and Taiwanese businesses. (Edited by Lin Hsing-meng) 1150408
Han Kuo-yu stated that the Legislative Yuan, regardless of party affiliation, places great importance on national security. He praised Banks as a patriotic statesman who took leave from his duties as an Indiana state senator to serve in Afghanistan, demonstrating the military qualities of 'nation, responsibility, honor,' which is deeply admirable.
Han Kuo-yu pointed out that compared to the US Congress, where committees primarily drive legislation, the Legislative Yuan's system and organizational structure require the President to convene consultations to resolve stalled bills.
Senator Banks stated that although this was his first visit to Taiwan, he has always firmly supported Taiwan in the US Congress. Because Taiwan and the US share values of freedom and democracy, and fully recognize the threat China poses to the US, Taiwan, and the world, he will continue to deepen US-Taiwan cooperation during his tenure and will share his observations from Taiwan with his colleagues upon his return.
Banks noted that US congressional support for Taiwan is a bipartisan consensus. US President Donald Trump is also committed to increasing US defense spending and is highly concerned about Taiwan's defense issues. He believes Taiwan will be able to invest more resources to demonstrate its determination to consolidate national security and looks forward to Taiwan successfully passing the special budget, wishing a successful conclusion to the party caucus consultation on the 9th.
Han Kuo-yu stated that he will do his best to assist in completing the review of the special defense budget, conveying Taiwan's determination to invest resources in national defense to the world, and believes that international friends will continue to support Taiwan.
In addition, Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu today hosted a banquet for the 38th 'North American Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Joint Federation's' 'Taiwanese Businessmen Returning to Taiwan for Visits and Investment Study Tour.' He stated that the Legislative Yuan will continue to uphold the spirit of 'no blue, green, or white in our eyes, only Taiwan in our hearts,' and prioritize the needs of overseas compatriots and Taiwanese businesses.
Han Kuo-yu said in his speech that since its establishment in 1988, the 'North American Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Joint Federation' has gathered the energy of 35 regional chambers of commerce, not only dedicated to business development but also always concerned about Taiwan.
Han Kuo-yu expressed gratitude to overseas Taiwanese businesses for their long-term support of Taiwan. Whether it was the Texas floods or Typhoon Dujuan, Taiwanese businesses have generously donated and provided emergency assistance, demonstrating Taiwan's spirit of mutual aid to the international community. During the severe damage caused by the collapse of the Matai'an River in Hualien County, Taiwanese businesses also actively participated in disaster relief and reconstruction, showing deep camaraderie.
Han Kuo-yu pointed out that defense, diplomacy, and overseas Chinese affairs are the three major tasks of the government. Although overseas Chinese affairs may not be as prominent as other areas, they are crucial for emotional connections. The Legislative Yuan will continue to uphold the spirit of 'no blue, green, or white in our eyes, only Taiwan in our hearts,' and prioritize the needs of overseas compatriots and Taiwanese businesses. (Edited by Lin Hsing-meng) 1150408
FAQ
Who did Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu meet with?
Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu met with US Federal Senator Jim Banks and his delegation.
What were the main topics of the meeting?
The main topics of the meeting included national security, the review of the special defense budget, and deepening US-Taiwan cooperation.