Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) met on Wednesday in Taipei with Austria-Taiwan Friendship Group Chair Werner Amon and a cross-party delegation of Austrian lawmakers. Amon said authoritarian regimes have become increasingly unpredictable, and that with Taiwan’s proximity to the People’s Republic of China, boosting defense budgets is necessary for deterring hostile actions.
Han was joined by KMT Legislator Wan Mei-ling (萬美玲), DPP Legislator Kuo Yu-ching (郭昱晴), TPP Legislator Mai Yu-chen (麥玉珍), and Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺). In welcoming remarks, Han noted this was Amon’s ninth visit to Taiwan, while many other members were visiting for the first time. He said he hoped the trip would leave delegates with a lasting impression of Taiwan’s warmth.
Han highlighted that Austria is Taiwan’s 10th-largest trading partner in Europe, a position he considers relatively low. He expressed hopes for increased bilateral economic engagement, mentioning not only opportunities in the semiconductor industry but also in traditional sectors such as textiles, bicycles, and sporting goods.
Amon agreed that stronger trade, cultural, and education ties are needed, and said a reciprocal driver’s license issue could be settled by year’s end. He added that shared values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights make cooperation among like-minded nations vital in the face of threats, including Russia’s war in Ukraine.
