Legislative Yuan Vice President Chiang meets with delegation from Labour Friends of Taiwan of the UK House of Commons; Vice President Chiang: We thank the British Parliament for its firm support of Taiwan and hope that Taiwan and the UK will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation to promote prosperity.
On the morning of May 28, Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by KMT Legislator Dr. Alice Chang, DPP Legislator Dr. Wang Cheng-Hsu, TPP Legislator Lin Yi-Chun, and Director Kevin C.F. Lin of the Department of International Affairs, met with a five-member delegation from the Labour Friends of Taiwan led by Navendu Mishra, a Member of the UK House of Commons. Deputy Director-General Lin Chu-En of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of European Affairs and Director Natasha Harrington of the Political and Communications Section of the British Office Taipei also joined the meeting.
Upon arriving at the Legislative Yuan, the delegation was first given a guided tour of the chamber by staff from the Department of International Affairs. They were then received by Vice President Chiang. Vice President Chiang warmly welcomed the visitors. After taking a group photo with the attending legislators and the guests, he said it was a great honor to receive friends from the UK Parliament on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and its President Daniel K.Y. Han. He congratulated the Labour Party on its victory in the 2024 election and noted that this was MP Navendu Mishra’s second visit to Taiwan. He added that this visit did not only symbolize that Taiwan-UK parliamentary exchanges have entered a new stage, but also represented the best example of the friendship between the two legislatures. He sincerely hoped that both parliaments can continue to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation on this basis. Vice President Chiang further stated that, in the face of the serious challenges of rising global trade barriers, he is grateful that the UK has always been Taiwan’s strongest ally in Europe. In recent years, Taiwan-UK bilateral trade relations have steadily grown, and last year, the UK was Taiwan’s fourth-largest trading partner in Europe. The UK officially joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in December last year. He sincerely hoped that the UK Parliament can play a key role in supporting Taiwan’s accession to international organizations, including the CPTPP, so as to jointly promote global prosperity and development.
Vice President Chiang emphasized that Taiwan does not only hold the strategic position in the First Island Chain, but also contributes over 60% of the world’s chip production capacity in the semiconductor industry, thereby playing a crucial role in the global supply chain. In the face of the difficult challenges in international politics, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon jointly issued the “Joint Statement between the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Prime Minister of New Zealand” on April 22, pointing out that the security and prosperity of the trans-Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions are inseparable, and further emphasizing that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to the security and prosperity of the international community. As the highest representative body of public opinion in Taiwan, the Legislative Yuan is willing to work together with the United Kingdom to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
In his speech, delegation leader MP Navendu Mishra thanked Vice President Chiang and the attending legislators for taking time out of their schedules to meet, making this visit to Taiwan highly fruitful. He said that the other four MPs in the delegation were visiting Taiwan for the first time and were deeply impressed by the current state of Taiwan’s democratic development and the friendliness and warmth of its people. MP Mishra went on to say that, in response to recent international developments, countries including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada have successively issued statements supporting Taiwan, underscoring the importance of the Taiwan Strait situation to global security. Although the members of today’s delegation are all from the Labour Party, he noted that support for Taiwan in the UK Parliament goes beyond party lines. He believed that Taiwan–UK parliamentary diplomacy will become an important force in supporting Taiwan. He also hoped that Taiwan and the United Kingdom can further enhance bilateral exchanges in academia, tourism, technology, and other fields, promoting understanding and cooperation among the younger generation, and bringing more hope and energy into Taiwan–UK relations.
During the bilateral exchange, Legislator Wang Cheng-Hsu stated that he, on behalf of the ruling party, thanked the UK Parliament for its long-term and firm support for Taiwan’s freedom and democracy. He said that this visit, led by the Labour Friends of Taiwan, is of great significance and expressed special anticipation for continued strengthening of Taiwan–UK cooperation in trade, technology, and healthcare in the future. Legislator Wang also said that Taiwanese people have always been warm and hospitable, and enjoy “making friends over drinks,” so the unique flavor of Scotch whisky is particularly popular among the people of Taiwan. In addition, as a member of Taiwan’s delegation to this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA), Legislator Wang especially took this opportunity to thank the United Kingdom for standing up for Taiwan, supporting Taiwan in becoming an observer and participating substantively in important international organizations, so that the world can see that “Taiwan can help.”
Legislator Lin Yi-Chun thanked the UK Labour Party for demonstrating its firm support for Taiwan’s freedom and democracy through concrete actions. She mentioned that the UK government has supported Taiwan in the past, whether through written declarations or concrete actions in the international arena. In particular, she noted that the passage of the motion on “the international status of Taiwan” by the UK House of Commons on November 28 last year carries deep and positive significance for Taiwan–UK relations. She sincerely hoped that our British friends would personally experience Taiwan’s beauty and convenience, as well as its world-class transportation system during their visit in the coming days. She also earnestly looked forward to Taiwan and the United Kingdom deepening exchanges and cooperation in more areas, and jointly defending the values of freedom and democracy.
Vice President Chiang concluded by welcoming the delegation to take this opportunity to visit various parts of Taiwan and experience the country’s diverse culture and charm. He especially emphasized that the younger generation is the key force in the future development of Taiwan–UK relations. He added that promoting understanding, exchanges, and cooperation among the youth can not only cultivate deeper friendship between both sides but also establish a solid foundation for ongoing mutual trust and partnership between the two countries. In closing, Vice President Chiang stressed that for the friendship between Taiwan and the UK to endure through the rapidly changing global environment and continue to grow steadily, it is essential that the next generation gains a deep understanding of each other’s cultures, values, and challenges. MP Mishra also echoed the sentiment, mentioning that former President of Taiwan Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen had studied in the United Kingdom. He expressed hope that, in the future, the UK could also have a prime minister with prior experience in Taiwan, gained through visits for exchange and study, who would further elevate Taiwan–UK relations to new heights.
The two sides also exchanged views extensively on issues such as education, healthcare, the semiconductor industry, AI, and tourism. The meeting lasted about 50 minutes in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. It ended on a successful note with both sides exchanging commemorative gifts and taking a group photo.
Upon arriving at the Legislative Yuan, the delegation was first given a guided tour of the chamber by staff from the Department of International Affairs. They were then received by Vice President Chiang. Vice President Chiang warmly welcomed the visitors. After taking a group photo with the attending legislators and the guests, he said it was a great honor to receive friends from the UK Parliament on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and its President Daniel K.Y. Han. He congratulated the Labour Party on its victory in the 2024 election and noted that this was MP Navendu Mishra’s second visit to Taiwan. He added that this visit did not only symbolize that Taiwan-UK parliamentary exchanges have entered a new stage, but also represented the best example of the friendship between the two legislatures. He sincerely hoped that both parliaments can continue to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation on this basis. Vice President Chiang further stated that, in the face of the serious challenges of rising global trade barriers, he is grateful that the UK has always been Taiwan’s strongest ally in Europe. In recent years, Taiwan-UK bilateral trade relations have steadily grown, and last year, the UK was Taiwan’s fourth-largest trading partner in Europe. The UK officially joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in December last year. He sincerely hoped that the UK Parliament can play a key role in supporting Taiwan’s accession to international organizations, including the CPTPP, so as to jointly promote global prosperity and development.
Vice President Chiang emphasized that Taiwan does not only hold the strategic position in the First Island Chain, but also contributes over 60% of the world’s chip production capacity in the semiconductor industry, thereby playing a crucial role in the global supply chain. In the face of the difficult challenges in international politics, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon jointly issued the “Joint Statement between the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Prime Minister of New Zealand” on April 22, pointing out that the security and prosperity of the trans-Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions are inseparable, and further emphasizing that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to the security and prosperity of the international community. As the highest representative body of public opinion in Taiwan, the Legislative Yuan is willing to work together with the United Kingdom to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
In his speech, delegation leader MP Navendu Mishra thanked Vice President Chiang and the attending legislators for taking time out of their schedules to meet, making this visit to Taiwan highly fruitful. He said that the other four MPs in the delegation were visiting Taiwan for the first time and were deeply impressed by the current state of Taiwan’s democratic development and the friendliness and warmth of its people. MP Mishra went on to say that, in response to recent international developments, countries including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada have successively issued statements supporting Taiwan, underscoring the importance of the Taiwan Strait situation to global security. Although the members of today’s delegation are all from the Labour Party, he noted that support for Taiwan in the UK Parliament goes beyond party lines. He believed that Taiwan–UK parliamentary diplomacy will become an important force in supporting Taiwan. He also hoped that Taiwan and the United Kingdom can further enhance bilateral exchanges in academia, tourism, technology, and other fields, promoting understanding and cooperation among the younger generation, and bringing more hope and energy into Taiwan–UK relations.
During the bilateral exchange, Legislator Wang Cheng-Hsu stated that he, on behalf of the ruling party, thanked the UK Parliament for its long-term and firm support for Taiwan’s freedom and democracy. He said that this visit, led by the Labour Friends of Taiwan, is of great significance and expressed special anticipation for continued strengthening of Taiwan–UK cooperation in trade, technology, and healthcare in the future. Legislator Wang also said that Taiwanese people have always been warm and hospitable, and enjoy “making friends over drinks,” so the unique flavor of Scotch whisky is particularly popular among the people of Taiwan. In addition, as a member of Taiwan’s delegation to this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA), Legislator Wang especially took this opportunity to thank the United Kingdom for standing up for Taiwan, supporting Taiwan in becoming an observer and participating substantively in important international organizations, so that the world can see that “Taiwan can help.”
Legislator Lin Yi-Chun thanked the UK Labour Party for demonstrating its firm support for Taiwan’s freedom and democracy through concrete actions. She mentioned that the UK government has supported Taiwan in the past, whether through written declarations or concrete actions in the international arena. In particular, she noted that the passage of the motion on “the international status of Taiwan” by the UK House of Commons on November 28 last year carries deep and positive significance for Taiwan–UK relations. She sincerely hoped that our British friends would personally experience Taiwan’s beauty and convenience, as well as its world-class transportation system during their visit in the coming days. She also earnestly looked forward to Taiwan and the United Kingdom deepening exchanges and cooperation in more areas, and jointly defending the values of freedom and democracy.
Vice President Chiang concluded by welcoming the delegation to take this opportunity to visit various parts of Taiwan and experience the country’s diverse culture and charm. He especially emphasized that the younger generation is the key force in the future development of Taiwan–UK relations. He added that promoting understanding, exchanges, and cooperation among the youth can not only cultivate deeper friendship between both sides but also establish a solid foundation for ongoing mutual trust and partnership between the two countries. In closing, Vice President Chiang stressed that for the friendship between Taiwan and the UK to endure through the rapidly changing global environment and continue to grow steadily, it is essential that the next generation gains a deep understanding of each other’s cultures, values, and challenges. MP Mishra also echoed the sentiment, mentioning that former President of Taiwan Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen had studied in the United Kingdom. He expressed hope that, in the future, the UK could also have a prime minister with prior experience in Taiwan, gained through visits for exchange and study, who would further elevate Taiwan–UK relations to new heights.
The two sides also exchanged views extensively on issues such as education, healthcare, the semiconductor industry, AI, and tourism. The meeting lasted about 50 minutes in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. It ended on a successful note with both sides exchanging commemorative gifts and taking a group photo.