A Taiwan cross-party delegation is set to attend the national conventions of the U.S. Democratic and Republican parties and observe the upcoming presidential election, according to the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aug. 20.
“It is common practice for U.S. political parties to invite their Taiwan counterparts to national conventions,” a MOFA official said. “The events serve as important platforms for bolstering exchanges among major political groups from both sides.”
The delegation, headed by ruling Kuomintang Vice Chairman John H. Chiang, comprises political heavyweights from the KMT and opposition Democratic Progressive Party and Taiwan Solidarity Union.
KMT Vice Chairman Chan Chun-po and King Pu-tsung, former KMT secretary-general and now top adviser in the party’s International Affairs Department, are also members of the delegation.
The group is scheduled to attend the national conventions of the Republican Party Aug. 27-30 in Tampa, Florida, and the Democratic Party Sept. 3-6 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
MOFA representative offices in the U.S. will also arrange other meetings for delegation members with their Washington counterparts, local government officials and ROC expatriates.
The national conventions are held every four years in the run-up to the U.S. presidential elections. Each party selects a presidential and vice presidential nominee and adopts a statement of principles and goals. (JSM)
Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw