立法院江啟臣副院長接見「英國前內政副大臣杜耿涵（Tom Tugendhat）下議員訪問團」乙行2人 江啟臣：加強台英國會外交 深化民主盟友聯結 (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)
立法院江啟臣副院長於本（1月13）日下午在國民黨張嘉郡委員、民進黨張雅琳委員、民眾黨吳春城委員及國際事務處林晨富處長等人陪同下，接見「英國前內政副大臣杜耿涵（Tom Tugendhat）下議員訪問團」乙行2人，外交部歐洲司李秀窈副秘書長亦隨行陪同。
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.
江副院長首先向訪賓表達誠摯的歡迎，並表示非常榮幸能代表韓國瑜院長接見杜耿涵（Tom Tugendhat）下議員。江副院長提及，他曾於2023年以「台灣英國國會議員交流協會」會長的身分率團訪問英國，與英國多位友我議員進行深入交流。他認為，強化兩國間的國會外交極為重要，不僅能促進台英雙方人民的交流，更對兩國的國家利益極具助益。特別是台英同為島國，在地緣政治與經濟領域上，皆須面對美國新任總統川普就任後可能帶來的挑戰。副院長並恭賀英國於去（2024）年正式成為「跨太平洋夥伴全面進步協定」（CPTPP）成員，是CPTPP擴大規模後第一個獲准加入的成員，也是CPTPP第一個歐洲會員國。台灣刻正處於申請加入CPTPP的進程中，鑒於台灣在印太地區的關鍵地理位置及完整的半導體產業鏈優勢，他相信台灣在正式加入CPTPP後，定能為各會員國創造更多互利互惠的合作機會。最後，副院長感謝杜耿涵議員長期以來對台灣的堅定支持與貢獻，期盼其未來能持續關注並協助台灣拓展國際空間,並歡迎未來再擇機來訪 。
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.
杜耿涵議員對於此行僅能短暫訪台兩天，深表遺憾，並強調未來他一定會與家人再次造訪這座美麗的島嶼。杜議員特別感謝台灣在面對嚴峻疫情的考驗下，依然穩定供應半導體，為全球經濟安全作出關鍵貢獻。他進一步表示，台灣在面對中國專制政權的威脅下，國家安全承受諸多嚴峻挑戰，然而台灣始終堅定站在民主對抗威權擴張的最前線，因此英國視台灣為重要盟友。他認為台英雙邊應持續深化交流，加強對彼此的理解與合作。他回顧其擔任英國負責安全事務的內政副大臣期間，曾與包括台灣在內的多個盟友合作，並與我國時任數位發展部部長唐鳳會晤，深入探討台灣如何應對境外勢力透過假訊息干擾國內事務的威脅。杜議員盛讚台灣在此情勢下，仍能維持民主穩定與經濟繁榮，實屬不易，他認為台英雙方應持續攜手合作，共同抵禦來自威權政體的各項惡意行為，以維護印太區域的和平與民主價值。
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.
張嘉郡委員表示，她曾在英國求學長達11年，因此將英國視為自己的第二故鄉，並提及她10年前曾陪同江副院長赴英國國會參訪交流，留下深刻的印象。她目前擔任立法院第11屆「中華民國與英國國會聯誼會」會長，期盼未來能在國會休會期間組團赴英交流，進一步深化台英雙邊國會外交與情誼。
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.
張雅玲委員分享，她來自促進兒少權益的公民團體，深刻體認提升兒少權益的關鍵，即在於從小教育兒童，讓他們瞭解自身應有的權益及自由民主價值的重要性。她進一步提及，過去10年來，台英雙邊公民團體互動頻繁，已建立良好的合作關係。其中，她特別關注到英國的「青年議會」（UK Youth Parliament）制度，讓未成年人能有機會為自己發聲，並參與公共事務。她認為這項制度值得台灣借鏡，有助於強化兒少權益保障與民主素養教育。
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.
吳春城委員指出，台灣目前正面臨兩項重大安全挑戰：一是社會快速邁入高齡化，二是在中國威脅下如何持續維護穩定的民主制度。他提到，英國在控制高齡人口比例方面成效顯著，值得台灣借鑑。此外，英國與同樣追求民主化的香港有著深厚的歷史淵源，盼能聽取杜議員對這兩項議題的見解與經驗分享，以作為台灣推動相關政策的參考。
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.
杜耿涵議員除分享英國在處理高齡化社會，以及針對香港議題的看法與經驗外，同時與江副院長及在座委員就川普新政府上任後對全球情勢的可能影響、保守黨執政時通過修法使持有英國國民護照的香港人能移民英國，以及安排老人與兒童同住以降低托育成本等政策來解決高齡社會、生育率降低, 犯罪率上升等議題進行交流。此次會晤歷約1小時，氣氛友好愉快，江副院長邀請杜議員再擇機訪台，最後在雙方互贈禮品及合影後圓滿結束。
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.
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.
江副院長首先向訪賓表達誠摯的歡迎，並表示非常榮幸能代表韓國瑜院長接見杜耿涵（Tom Tugendhat）下議員。江副院長提及，他曾於2023年以「台灣英國國會議員交流協會」會長的身分率團訪問英國，與英國多位友我議員進行深入交流。他認為，強化兩國間的國會外交極為重要，不僅能促進台英雙方人民的交流，更對兩國的國家利益極具助益。特別是台英同為島國，在地緣政治與經濟領域上，皆須面對美國新任總統川普就任後可能帶來的挑戰。副院長並恭賀英國於去（2024）年正式成為「跨太平洋夥伴全面進步協定」（CPTPP）成員，是CPTPP擴大規模後第一個獲准加入的成員，也是CPTPP第一個歐洲會員國。台灣刻正處於申請加入CPTPP的進程中，鑒於台灣在印太地區的關鍵地理位置及完整的半導體產業鏈優勢，他相信台灣在正式加入CPTPP後，定能為各會員國創造更多互利互惠的合作機會。最後，副院長感謝杜耿涵議員長期以來對台灣的堅定支持與貢獻，期盼其未來能持續關注並協助台灣拓展國際空間,並歡迎未來再擇機來訪 。
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.
杜耿涵議員對於此行僅能短暫訪台兩天，深表遺憾，並強調未來他一定會與家人再次造訪這座美麗的島嶼。杜議員特別感謝台灣在面對嚴峻疫情的考驗下，依然穩定供應半導體，為全球經濟安全作出關鍵貢獻。他進一步表示，台灣在面對中國專制政權的威脅下，國家安全承受諸多嚴峻挑戰，然而台灣始終堅定站在民主對抗威權擴張的最前線，因此英國視台灣為重要盟友。他認為台英雙邊應持續深化交流，加強對彼此的理解與合作。他回顧其擔任英國負責安全事務的內政副大臣期間，曾與包括台灣在內的多個盟友合作，並與我國時任數位發展部部長唐鳳會晤，深入探討台灣如何應對境外勢力透過假訊息干擾國內事務的威脅。杜議員盛讚台灣在此情勢下，仍能維持民主穩定與經濟繁榮，實屬不易，他認為台英雙方應持續攜手合作，共同抵禦來自威權政體的各項惡意行為，以維護印太區域的和平與民主價值。
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.
張嘉郡委員表示，她曾在英國求學長達11年，因此將英國視為自己的第二故鄉，並提及她10年前曾陪同江副院長赴英國國會參訪交流，留下深刻的印象。她目前擔任立法院第11屆「中華民國與英國國會聯誼會」會長，期盼未來能在國會休會期間組團赴英交流，進一步深化台英雙邊國會外交與情誼。
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.
張雅玲委員分享，她來自促進兒少權益的公民團體，深刻體認提升兒少權益的關鍵，即在於從小教育兒童，讓他們瞭解自身應有的權益及自由民主價值的重要性。她進一步提及，過去10年來，台英雙邊公民團體互動頻繁，已建立良好的合作關係。其中，她特別關注到英國的「青年議會」（UK Youth Parliament）制度，讓未成年人能有機會為自己發聲，並參與公共事務。她認為這項制度值得台灣借鏡，有助於強化兒少權益保障與民主素養教育。
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.
吳春城委員指出，台灣目前正面臨兩項重大安全挑戰：一是社會快速邁入高齡化，二是在中國威脅下如何持續維護穩定的民主制度。他提到，英國在控制高齡人口比例方面成效顯著，值得台灣借鑑。此外，英國與同樣追求民主化的香港有著深厚的歷史淵源，盼能聽取杜議員對這兩項議題的見解與經驗分享，以作為台灣推動相關政策的參考。
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.
杜耿涵議員除分享英國在處理高齡化社會，以及針對香港議題的看法與經驗外，同時與江副院長及在座委員就川普新政府上任後對全球情勢的可能影響、保守黨執政時通過修法使持有英國國民護照的香港人能移民英國，以及安排老人與兒童同住以降低托育成本等政策來解決高齡社會、生育率降低, 犯罪率上升等議題進行交流。此次會晤歷約1小時，氣氛友好愉快，江副院長邀請杜議員再擇機訪台，最後在雙方互贈禮品及合影後圓滿結束。
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.