TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A bipartisan delegation of Taiwanese lawmakers departed for the US on Sunday (Aug. 18) to observe the US Democratic National Convention (Aug. 19-22) in Chicago.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Wang Ting-yu (王定宇), who is leading the delegation, said in a Facebook post he was “honored to serve as the head of our delegation.” Taiwan-US relations are important, and we cherish our friends from all US political parties, he said. 

Wang previously said the trip is to engage with Democrat politicians and government officials and enhance Taiwan-US relations. He said that maintaining a unified stance is crucial, and even if there are significant differences domestically, these should not be displayed abroad. 

The DPP and Kuomintang (KMT) will send five delegates each, while the Taiwan People’s Party will send one. The DPP delegates include Fan Yun (范雲) and Han Ying (韓瑩), while KMT representatives include Hsu Yu-chen (許宇甄) and Chiu Jo-hua (邱若華). The TPP’s delegate will be its caucus whip Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌).

Last month, Taiwan sent an 11-member bipartisan delegation to observe the Republican National Convention held in Milwaukee. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said earlier that Taiwan maintains close and friendly relations with both the Republican and Democratic parties.