TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislative caucus leader Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) departed Tuesday (Sept. 2) for Tokyo, leading a five-day diplomatic mission with fellow KMT legislators as Taiwan's parliament enters its inter-session recess. The carefully timed journey follows the conclusion of the 11th session of the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, on Aug. 31, providing legislators with their first significant break from intense legislative duties. Numerous legislators seized this opportunity to travel internationally or reconnect with family members during the parliamentary intermission.
Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny Chiang (江啟臣), also called deputy speaker, will spearhead a diplomatic mission from Sept. 6 to 14, leading a cross-party delegation to Prague, Czech Republic, for the "100 objects, 100 stories: treasures from the National Palace Museum" (故宮文物百選及其故事) exhibition. This trip represents Taiwan's parliamentary diplomacy efforts to strengthen international ties. The bipartisan group includes legislators from KMT, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), Taiwan's ruling party, and Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨), departing Sept. 6 via Frankfurt.
The ambitious itinerary includes strategic meetings with British parliamentarians and officials on Sept. 8, followed by crucial discussions with European Parliament officials on Sept. 10 in Brussels. Delegation members will participate in the exhibition's grand opening ceremony and formal dinner on Sept. 11, then engage with Czech parliamentarians and government officials on Sept. 12. The comprehensive European tour encompasses visits to Ireland, the United Kingdom, and France, designed to strengthen Taiwan's parliamentary diplomacy and conduct inspections of diplomatic missions before returning Sept. 13-14. ◼
