Full Breakdown
Taiwan Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu Leads Cross-Party Delegation to Washington
6/28/2026, 12:57:54 AM
Core Event
On June 24, 2026, Taiwan’s Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu led an eight-member cross-party delegation—three KMT, three DPP, one Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) lawmaker, and Han—to Washington. The group toured TSMC’s Arizona plant, met seven Democratic senators, attended a congressional reception with 33 House members, and met House Speaker Mike Johnson on the United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act. The visit ended with an EVA Air flight from Dulles to Taoyuan on June 30.
Background & Context
The trip arrives as Washington expands outreach to Taiwan ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Analysts see a push to engage the Kuomintang (KMT) while the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) also participates, aiming to secure bipartisan support amid tensions with China. At home, the KMT grapples with internal disputes over defense spending and China policy.
Why It Matters
The delegation’s agenda sought outcomes: expedited tax relief to ease double taxation, deeper semiconductor cooperation with TSMC, and joint development of Taiwan’s drone sector. Demonstrating bipartisan U.S. backing and KMT willingness to work across party lines, the visit may shape voter perceptions ahead of the 2028 election.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. officials emphasized “bipartisan and bicameral” support for Taiwan, citing shared interests in peace and commerce. Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan released a statement urging Senate action on the double-tax relief bill. State Department officials confirmed security cooperation and interest in Taiwan’s drone initiatives.
Criticism & Opposition
Within the KMT, factions dispute defense-budget cuts and the balance between U.S. engagement and China rapprochement. Party chairwoman Cheng Li-wun faced criticism for prioritizing China, while some members opposed reductions to the domestic drone industry and defense spending.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the delegation’s size: one describes a “seven-member” group led by Han, another lists “Han and seven other lawmakers,” implying eight participants. No source details the outcomes of the security talks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The support for Taiwan is bipartisan and bicameral — both houses, both parties,” Nancy Pelosi said. “It’s about peace. It’s also about commerce in terms of keeping the ships able to travel here.” — Nancy Pelosi, Former U.S. House Speaker
- “On the international stage, Taiwan feels very lonely in its heart,” — Han Kuo-yu, Speaker of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan
- “During the meeting, Han urged Johnson to continue supporting the United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act so that it can complete the legislative process soon, further promoting bilateral investment and trade and deepening the partnership between the two sides, the Legislative Yuan said in a press release.” — Han Kuo-yu, Legislative Speaker (press release)
What’s Next
The double-tax relief bill now awaits Senate consideration, and the EVA Air route is expected to boost business travel. Taiwanese parties are likely to reference the Washington trip in their 2028 election platforms, while U.S. lawmakers have signaled continued engagement on security and technology cooperation.
