Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (\u97d3\u570b\u745c) 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\u2019s proximity to the People\u2019s Republic of China, boosting defense budgets is necessary for deterring hostile actions. <\/p>\n
Han was joined by KMT Legislator Wan Mei-ling (\u842c\u7f8e\u73b2), DPP Legislator Kuo Yu-ching (\u90ed\u6631\u6674), TPP Legislator Mai Yu-chen (\u9ea5\u7389\u73cd), and Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (\u9673\u660e\u797a). In welcoming remarks, Han noted this was Amon\u2019s 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\u2019s warmth. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Amon agreed that stronger trade, cultural, and education ties are needed, and said a reciprocal driver\u2019s license issue could be settled by year\u2019s 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\u2019s war in Ukraine.<\/p>\n