Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang welcomed a group of young European political leaders to Taiwan on Wednesday. The visit marked the first time members of the European Values Important Partners Program traveled to the island. Chiang used the opportunity to push for deeper Taiwan-Europe ties, a theme he repeated throughout the meeting.During the gathering in Taipei, Chiang emphasized shared democratic principles. He said Taiwan and Europe both value freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. These common beliefs, according to Chiang, form the foundation of any future cooperation.
He added that it’s crucial for younger generations to inherit these democratic values. “When young leaders understand each other, they shape a more stable and connected future,” Chiang said. His message focused heavily on encouraging exchanges and friendships between youth in Taiwan and Europe.In addition to the meeting, Chiang reflected on his experiences from last year. He took three separate trips to Europe, which included visits to Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, and Spain. During these trips, he spoke with local lawmakers, exchanged views, and promoted Taiwan’s interests.
He described those discussions as productive and eye-opening. “They gave me fresh insights into how Europe sees Taiwan,” Chiang said. This direct contact, he believes, laid the groundwork for stronger partnerships.Moreover, Chiang praised the current delegation for coming to Taiwan. He noted that such visits help bridge cultural and political gaps. “Seeing is believing,” he said, noting how travel deepens understanding in ways virtual meetings cannot.
Members of the European youth delegation echoed Chiang’s sentiments. They said the trip gave them a clearer picture of Taiwan’s politics, society, and people. They also expressed interest in building ongoing relationships with Taiwanese leaders.The delegation’s presence in Taiwan, Chiang stressed again, highlighted the importance of deeper Taiwan-Europe ties. He stated that Taiwan welcomes more visits, dialogues, and collaborations in the future.
Chiang concluded by saying that he will continue working to create platforms for dialogue. As he put it, Taiwan must stay active on the global stage. His goal, above all, remains clear: deeper Taiwan-Europe ties through mutual respect, engagement, and shared democratic values.
