In the afternoon of October 9, Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Johnny C. Chiang, accompanied by Legislator Chen Ching-Hui, Legislator Ngalim Tiunn, Director of the Department of International Affairs Kevin C.F. Lin, and Deputy Director-General of the Department of European Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Li Hsiu-Yao, met with a cross-party delegation composed of the Co-Chairs of the "Scottish Parliament-Taiwan Friendship Group,” Jamie Greene and Rhoda Grant, as well as Karen Adam MSP.
Vice President Chiang first extended a warm welcome to Chair Jamie Greene and the delegation members, indicating that despite the vast distance separating Scotland and Taiwan, people in Taiwan are not unfamiliar with Scotland. Vice President Chiang noted that when he studied political economy, he had the opportunity to read The Wealth of Nations, a masterpiece written by renowned Scottish thinker Adam Smith. In addition, through the widely-acclaimed movie Braveheart, starring Mel Gibson, he also learned about Scottish national hero William Wallace’s remarkable deeds.
Vice President Chiang emphasized that as the world’s fourth largest Scottish whiskey market, Taiwan has increasingly embraced and enjoyed the flavors of Scottish whiskey. The total value of whiskey imported into Taiwan in 2023 was approximately £561 million, and whiskey imports from Scotland reached £341 million, accounting for more than 60 percent. These figures show that Scottish whiskey has been very well received by Taiwanese consumers. That said, Scottish whiskey can be described as the “common language” between the people of Taiwan and Scotland.
The flourishing culture and arts in Scotland have also had a profound impact on Taiwan, as noted by Vice President Chiang. He added that former Taichung City Mayor, Jason Hu, inspired by the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe he experienced during his studies in the UK, established the Taichung Jazz Festival in 2003 while in office. Ever since, the festival has become a significant cultural highlight of Taichung City, which forms part of Vice President Chiang’s constituency. This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of the Taichung Jazz Festival, and Vice President Chiang sincerely invited the delegation to visit Taichung to experience the unique charm of the festival.
Vice President Chiang continued to say that it is his fourth term as a legislator. During his tenure, he has consistently promoted exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the UK, and has served as President of the ROC-UK Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association. As he took office as Vice President of the Legislative Yuan of the current legislature, he was invited to serve as honorary president of the ROC-UK Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association in this term. He also gave special thanks to the Parliament of Scotland for continuously voicing support for Taiwan’s international participation. As an important member of the international society, the UK is going to officially join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) at the end of the year. Vice President Chiang asked the members of the Parliament of Scotland present to support Taiwan to enhance its international visibility and in joining the CPTPP. Vice President Chiang wholeheartedly invited the members of the Scottish Parliament delegation to attend the 2024 National Day celebration activities, hoping to find a chance to pay visit to Scotland to deepen bilateral parliamentary exchanges.
Co-chair Greene thanked Vice President Chiang and legislators present for taking the time to meet with the delegation, and said it is his second time to visit Taiwan. In his speech, he added that the “Scottish Parliament-Taiwan Friendship Group” is an organization that consists of members from different parties. Despite changes in election results, the friendship with Taiwan remains steadfast. The Parliament of Scotland has been in existence for 25 years, which is relatively young compared to other democratic countries. In recent years, the Parliament of Scotland has been actively engaging in exchanges with parliaments of other countries to foster mutual learning and growth. He said he hopes this visit will help establish a positive and constructive friendship with the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan). In addition to deepening the bilateral relationship between both parliaments, he hoped to learn more about the parliament of Taiwan through this visit. Chair Greene echoed what Vice President Chiang previously said, stating that Taiwan is likely to be the largest buyer of Scottish whiskey in terms of consumption per capita. In addition, he added that in today’s ever-changing society, Scotland and Taiwan will have more opportunities for collaboration and joint development in many areas, including culture, education, technology, AI, semiconductors, green energy, zero carbon emissions, and offshore wind power. Co-Chair Green praised Taiwanese people’s hospitality and its magnificent natural landscapes. He also mentioned how impressed he was of Taiwan’s democratic system and free development. He added that as a beacon of democracy, Taiwan is a symbolic democratic country in the Asia-Pacific region. He felt honored to be able to lead the delegation to attend the National Day celebration activities, and promised they will keep maintaining and cherishing the profound friendship with Taiwan.
Legislator Chen Ching-Hui, in her remarks, said that as a doctor and a member of the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee of the Legislative Yuan, she has a long-standing concern for public health issues. She mentioned that the Scottish government provides free feminine sanitary products in public places, and this well-intentioned policy, which benefits many women, can be a valuable reference for Taiwan. She added that gender equality issues are also important to her, and hoped to conduct exchanges in the future regarding assisted reproduction for same-sex couples, which has been discussed in the Legislative Yuan recently.
In her remarks, Legislator Ngalim Tiunn highlighted the profound cultural impact of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, saying that during her studies at Ulster University in the UK, she personally participated in the event, and is now aware of the positive and promotional role it has played in enhancing street performances across Taiwan. She further commented that she has long been an advocate for children’s rights such as the right of play and freedom of expression. She heard Scotland has youth and children's parliaments so that they can participate in democratic politics and learn from the process. This is a very good example for Taiwan to follow. She also said she hopes to keep in contact with the delegation members so further exchanges can be conducted.
Both sides exchanged views on a wide variety of issues, including youth participation in politics, fishery and environmental protection, endangered Scottish local languages, and community building. Lastly, Vice President Chiang mentioned to the visiting guests that due to the declining birth rate in Taiwan, 15 universities have been forced to cease admissions and close. He welcomed the idea of encouraging prominent universities of Scotland, UK, and Europe to set up branches in Taiwan, making use of the existing campuses and facilities. This would not only benefit local Taiwanese students but also attract young talent from neighboring countries to study in Taiwan, thereby fostering cooperation in higher education and talent development between both sides. The visiting guests expressed strong support to the initiative and were willing to offer assistance as necessary. The meeting lasted approximately one hour, and both parties enjoyed the warm and friendly discussion, with an exchange of souvenirs marking the successful end to the meeting.
