Legislative Yuan Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang meets delegation led by UK House of Commons MP and former Minister of State Tom Tugendhat; Vice President Chiang: Enhancing Taiwan-UK parliamentary diplomacy and strengthening ties with democratic allies
On the afternoon of January 13, Legislative Yuan Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang, accompanied by KMT Legislator Alice Chang, DPP Legislator Ngalim Tiunn, TPP Legislator Wu Chun-Cheng, and Department of International Affairs Director Kevin C.F. Lin, met with the two-member delegation led by UK MP and former Minister of State Tom Tugendhat. Deputy Secretary-General Lee Hsiu-Yao of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of European Affairs was also present.
Vice President Chiang first extended a sincere welcome to the guests, stating that he was honored to represent President Daniel K.Y. Han in meeting with MP Tom Tugendhat. Vice President Chiang recalled his 2023 visit to the United Kingdom as President of the Taiwan-UK Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association, during which he led a delegation to engage in substantive dialogues with numerous British parliamentarians who are friendly to Taiwan. He emphasized the vital importance of strengthening parliamentary diplomacy between Taiwan and the United Kingdom, noting that it not only fosters deeper connections between the peoples of both countries but also significantly advances their respective national interests. In particular, as both Taiwan and the United Kingdom are island nations, they must address the geopolitical and economic challenges that may arise following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The Vice President also extended his congratulations to the United Kingdom on its official accession last year (2024) to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The UK became the first member to be approved following the expansion of CPTPP’s membership and the first European nation to join. Taiwan is currently in the process of applying for membership in the CPTPP. Given its strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region and its comprehensive semiconductor supply chain, the Vice President expressed his belief that Taiwan’s eventual accession will create a wealth of mutually beneficial opportunities for all member countries. In closing, the Vice President expressed his gratitude to MP Tom Tugendhat for his longstanding and unwavering support of Taiwan, acknowledging his significant contributions. He looked forward to MP Tugendhat’s continued engagement in helping Taiwan expand its international presence and extended a warm invitation for future visits.
MP Tom Tugendhat expressed regret that his visit to Taiwan could only last two days. He emphasized, however, that he fully intends to return with his family in the future to visit this beautiful island. MP Tugendhat expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Taiwan for maintaining a steady supply of semiconductors during the challenges posed by the global pandemic, highlighting its pivotal contribution to global economic stability. He further noted that Taiwan faces significant national security challenges due to threats from China’s authoritarian regime. Nevertheless, Taiwan has consistently stood firm on the frontlines of democracy’s resistance against authoritarian expansion, which is why the United Kingdom regards Taiwan as a key ally. He believes that Taiwan and the United Kingdom should continue to deepen their exchanges and enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. He also reflected on his tenure as the UK’s Minister of State for Security, during which he collaborated with numerous allies, including Taiwan, and met with then Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang. In their discussions, they delved into Taiwan’s strategies for countering the threat posed by foreign forces attempting to disrupt domestic affairs through disinformation. MP Tugendhat praised Taiwan for maintaining democratic stability and economic prosperity under these challenging circumstances, recognizing it as a remarkable achievement. He emphasized that Taiwan and the United Kingdom should continue to work together to counter malicious actions from authoritarian regimes and safeguard peace and democratic values in the Indo-Pacific region.
Legislator Alice Chang mentioned that she had studied in the United Kingdom for 11 years and regards it as her second home. She also recalled accompanying Vice President Chiang to the UK Parliament for a visit and exchange 10 years ago, which left a lasting impression. She currently serves as the president of the 11th Legislative Yuan’s ROC-UK Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association. She expressed hope that in the future, during the legislative recess, she would lead a delegation to the United Kingdom to further strengthen bilateral parliamentary diplomacy and friendship between Taiwan and the UK.
Legislator Ngalim Tiunn shared that she has a background in a civic organization dedicated to promoting children’s rights. She highlighted the importance of early education in helping children understand their rights and the significance of freedom and democratic values. She further noted that over the past decade, Taiwanese and British civic organizations have interacted frequently, establishing strong cooperative ties. In particular, she highlighted the UK Youth Parliament system, which provides minors with an opportunity to make their voices heard and participate in public affairs. She believes this system is worth emulating in Taiwan, as it would help enhance the protection of children’s rights and foster democratic values.
Legislator Wu Chun-Cheng pointed out that Taiwan currently faces two major security challenges: First, the rapid aging of society; second, maintaining a stable democratic system under the ongoing threat from China. He noted that the United Kingdom has been highly effective in managing its aging population, offering valuable insights for Taiwan. Additionally, the United Kingdom shares a deep historical connection with Hong Kong, a region that also pursued democratization. He expressed hope to hear MP Tugendhat’s views and insights on these two issues, which could serve as valuable references for Taiwan in shaping its related policies.
In addition to sharing the UK’s experiences in managing an aging society and its perspectives on Hong Kong, MP Tugendhat also engaged in discussions with Vice President Chiang and other legislators on various topics. These included the potential global impact of the new Trump administration, the Conservative Party’s legislative reforms enabling Hong Kong British National (Overseas) passport holders to immigrate to the UK, and policies such as housing elderly and young people together to reduce childcare costs. These exchanges touched on strategies for addressing issues like an aging population, declining birth rates, and rising crime rates. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and was conducted in a friendly and cordial atmosphere. Vice President Chiang invited MP Tugendhat to visit Taiwan again in the future. The meeting concluded successfully with both sides exchanging gifts and taking a group photo.
Vice President Chiang first extended a sincere welcome to the guests, stating that he was honored to represent President Daniel K.Y. Han in meeting with MP Tom Tugendhat. Vice President Chiang recalled his 2023 visit to the United Kingdom as President of the Taiwan-UK Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association, during which he led a delegation to engage in substantive dialogues with numerous British parliamentarians who are friendly to Taiwan. He emphasized the vital importance of strengthening parliamentary diplomacy between Taiwan and the United Kingdom, noting that it not only fosters deeper connections between the peoples of both countries but also significantly advances their respective national interests. In particular, as both Taiwan and the United Kingdom are island nations, they must address the geopolitical and economic challenges that may arise following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The Vice President also extended his congratulations to the United Kingdom on its official accession last year (2024) to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The UK became the first member to be approved following the expansion of CPTPP’s membership and the first European nation to join. Taiwan is currently in the process of applying for membership in the CPTPP. Given its strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region and its comprehensive semiconductor supply chain, the Vice President expressed his belief that Taiwan’s eventual accession will create a wealth of mutually beneficial opportunities for all member countries. In closing, the Vice President expressed his gratitude to MP Tom Tugendhat for his longstanding and unwavering support of Taiwan, acknowledging his significant contributions. He looked forward to MP Tugendhat’s continued engagement in helping Taiwan expand its international presence and extended a warm invitation for future visits.
MP Tom Tugendhat expressed regret that his visit to Taiwan could only last two days. He emphasized, however, that he fully intends to return with his family in the future to visit this beautiful island. MP Tugendhat expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Taiwan for maintaining a steady supply of semiconductors during the challenges posed by the global pandemic, highlighting its pivotal contribution to global economic stability. He further noted that Taiwan faces significant national security challenges due to threats from China’s authoritarian regime. Nevertheless, Taiwan has consistently stood firm on the frontlines of democracy’s resistance against authoritarian expansion, which is why the United Kingdom regards Taiwan as a key ally. He believes that Taiwan and the United Kingdom should continue to deepen their exchanges and enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. He also reflected on his tenure as the UK’s Minister of State for Security, during which he collaborated with numerous allies, including Taiwan, and met with then Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang. In their discussions, they delved into Taiwan’s strategies for countering the threat posed by foreign forces attempting to disrupt domestic affairs through disinformation. MP Tugendhat praised Taiwan for maintaining democratic stability and economic prosperity under these challenging circumstances, recognizing it as a remarkable achievement. He emphasized that Taiwan and the United Kingdom should continue to work together to counter malicious actions from authoritarian regimes and safeguard peace and democratic values in the Indo-Pacific region.
Legislator Alice Chang mentioned that she had studied in the United Kingdom for 11 years and regards it as her second home. She also recalled accompanying Vice President Chiang to the UK Parliament for a visit and exchange 10 years ago, which left a lasting impression. She currently serves as the president of the 11th Legislative Yuan’s ROC-UK Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association. She expressed hope that in the future, during the legislative recess, she would lead a delegation to the United Kingdom to further strengthen bilateral parliamentary diplomacy and friendship between Taiwan and the UK.
Legislator Ngalim Tiunn shared that she has a background in a civic organization dedicated to promoting children’s rights. She highlighted the importance of early education in helping children understand their rights and the significance of freedom and democratic values. She further noted that over the past decade, Taiwanese and British civic organizations have interacted frequently, establishing strong cooperative ties. In particular, she highlighted the UK Youth Parliament system, which provides minors with an opportunity to make their voices heard and participate in public affairs. She believes this system is worth emulating in Taiwan, as it would help enhance the protection of children’s rights and foster democratic values.
Legislator Wu Chun-Cheng pointed out that Taiwan currently faces two major security challenges: First, the rapid aging of society; second, maintaining a stable democratic system under the ongoing threat from China. He noted that the United Kingdom has been highly effective in managing its aging population, offering valuable insights for Taiwan. Additionally, the United Kingdom shares a deep historical connection with Hong Kong, a region that also pursued democratization. He expressed hope to hear MP Tugendhat’s views and insights on these two issues, which could serve as valuable references for Taiwan in shaping its related policies.
In addition to sharing the UK’s experiences in managing an aging society and its perspectives on Hong Kong, MP Tugendhat also engaged in discussions with Vice President Chiang and other legislators on various topics. These included the potential global impact of the new Trump administration, the Conservative Party’s legislative reforms enabling Hong Kong British National (Overseas) passport holders to immigrate to the UK, and policies such as housing elderly and young people together to reduce childcare costs. These exchanges touched on strategies for addressing issues like an aging population, declining birth rates, and rising crime rates. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and was conducted in a friendly and cordial atmosphere. Vice President Chiang invited MP Tugendhat to visit Taiwan again in the future. The meeting concluded successfully with both sides exchanging gifts and taking a group photo.