Cross-party lawmakers deliver overseas good news; Jiang Qichen's delegation passes all proposals

Legislative Yuan Vice President Chiang Chi-chen recently led a cross-party delegation of lawmakers overseas to attend the annual meeting of the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union (APPU). The delegation successfully concluded all agenda items and returned to Taiwan tonight. Speaking to the media in a joint interview at Taoyuan International Airport, Chiang stated that the Taiwan delegation demonstrated a high degree of proactivity and parliamentary communication skills during the annual meeting. Three important proposals concerning regional security, sustainable development, and public health cooperation put forward by Taiwan were successfully adopted by the general assembly and officially incorporated and signed into the meeting's joint communique. This not only highlights Taiwan's substantive and constructive role in the Indo-Pacific region but also marks an important chapter for the nation's participation in multilateral parliamentary arenas.

The delegation formed by the Legislative Yuan demonstrated a high level of cross-party solidarity, with members comprising representatives from the major political parties within the legislature. This demonstrated to the international community that when facing external pressure and diplomatic challenges, Taiwan's external voice can transcend partisan divides and forge the greatest national consensus. Chiang pointed out that during the multi-day meeting, in addition to actively participating in the scheduled agenda and defending national rights, the Taiwan delegation seized rare multilateral diplomatic opportunities to hold in-depth and candid bilateral talks with lawmakers from key allies in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and the Republic of Palau. Through these high-level interactions, both sides not only consolidated their firm diplomatic ties based on shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, but also reached numerous consensuses on how to further deepen parliamentary diplomacy and strengthen oversight cooperation and experience exchanges between legislative bodies in the future.

Examining the history and operational context of the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union, the organization has long served as an important platform for lawmakers across the Asia-Pacific to conduct regional dialogue, promote mutual understanding, and advance parliamentary diplomacy. Amid the current volatile geopolitical landscape and endless regional security and economic challenges, the APPU provides an unofficial yet highly influential communication channel. As one of the founding member states, Taiwan has consistently maintained a high level of participation enthusiasm despite facing severe diplomatic circumstances. Through concrete policy proposals that closely address regional dynamics, Taiwan has proven to the international community that it is an indispensable key partner in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The fact that the three proposals put forward by the Taiwan delegation stood out among numerous member states and were successfully adopted by the assembly relied on the delegation's meticulous prior policy formulation, rigorous parliamentary defense and offense, and the deep foundation of trust built by Taiwan's diplomatic teams through long-term frontline dedication.

From the perspective of substantial impact and strategic significance, the three proposals that were passed and incorporated into the joint communique precisely address the contemporary trials jointly faced by Asia-Pacific nations. Whether in the construction of regional security networks, mutual assistance in public health and medical systems, or issues of climate change and sustainable development, Taiwan has demonstrated its determination to shoulder international responsibilities and contribute its professional capabilities. By translating its domestic governance experience and observations on regional development into concrete international proposals, Taiwan has not only substantively participated in the shaping of international rules, but has also further pushed back against attempts by certain international organizations to marginalize Taiwan. These achievements prove that parliamentary diplomacy, acting as an important auxiliary to overall diplomacy, can exert flexible, soft, and penetrating strategic effects in multilateral arenas where official diplomacy is sometimes constrained.

With the delegation's smooth return to the country tonight, the successfully concluded APPU annual meeting itinerary has not only added another brilliant record to Taiwan's parliamentary diplomacy, but has also laid a more solid cornerstone for further promoting substantive diplomatic work in the future. Chiang expressed his gratitude to the media and all sectors welcoming the delegation at the airport, emphasizing that the Legislative Yuan will continue to uphold the principles of being active, pragmatic, and mutually beneficial to deepen parliamentary exchanges with various friendly parties and nations. Facing a rapidly changing international situation, Taiwan can only firmly establish its footing in the international community by continuously demonstrating its irreplaceable value and contributions. The outstanding performance of the cross-party delegation at the APPU is undoubtedly another declaration to the world of Taiwan's firm conviction in stepping toward and embracing the international community.