Is the US trying to sway Taiwan’s KMT by receiving its legislative speaker?

A high-profile visit to Washington by Taiwanese Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu reflects a broader US effort to strengthen ties with the island’s main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), according to analysts.

Han’s trip follows visits to the United States by Taichung mayor and KMT member Lu Shiow-yen in March and KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wun earlier this month.

The succession of arrivals suggested Washington was preparing for political uncertainty after Taiwan’s 2028 leadership election by cultivating relationships across the KMT on issues ranging from defence spending to semiconductor cooperation, analysts said.

Han arrived in the United States on Monday leading a seven-member, cross-party parliamentary delegation after invitations from congressional Taiwan caucuses.

During the week-long visit, he toured Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) Arizona operations and met Taiwanese businesses investing in the US.