TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s delegation to the US for Donald Trump’s inauguration arrived in Washington, D.C. on Sunday.
Despite not attending the inauguration in person after the US government decided to move the ceremony indoors due to cold temperatures, the group still has a busy four-day itinerary. They will engage with congress members and participate in closed-door discussions at the Wilson Center and The Heritage Foundation, CNA reported.
The delegation will also visit the American Institute in Taiwan headquarters.
Chen Hui-ching (陳惠青), secretary-general of the Taiwanese Association of America Greater Washington Chapter, organized a welcome banquet for the delegation on Sunday evening, which included other local Taiwanese associations.
The delegation plans to hold a press conference on Wednesday to share the outcomes of their trip. The group consists of DPP Legislators Wang Ting-yu (王定宇), Chen Kuan-ting (陳冠廷), and Kuo Yu-ching (郭昱晴); KMT Legislators Lee Yen-hsiu (李彥秀), Ke Ru-chun (葛如鈞), and Ko Chih-en (柯志恩); and TPP Legislator Chen Chau-tzu (陳昭姿).
Lai Ching-te (賴清德) selected Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) to lead the delegation as a gesture of goodwill. During a meeting Thursday, Lai said there is a common interest in foreign affairs and a mutual interest in improving Taiwan-US relations despite domestic political differences. He hoped Han would be able to congratulate Trump on behalf of Taiwan, improve Taiwan-US relations, and convey Taiwan’s commitment to democracy.