On 10th October 2016, the TRO hosted a reception for the 105th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) at the Gladstone Library. The event was attended by more than 450 people, including Ambassadors/High Commissioners, parliamentarians, academics, businessmen and overseas Taiwanese.
During the reception, Ambassador Lin delivered a speech on recent developments in Taiwan and the future of Taiwan-UK bilateral relations. The speech began by highlighting the third successful peaceful transfer of governmental powers in Taiwan’s democratic history, and the accession of the first female President of Taiwan.
The Ambassador also stated that while Taiwan’s foreign policy remains fundamentally unaltered, new momentum has been injected with the adoption of the ‘New Southbound Policy’. He proceeded to affirm that the government remains committed to bringing Taiwan closer to the international community and pursuing meaningful participation in international organisations.
Ambassador Lin was followed by the three guest speakers from the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group, Lord Steel of Aikwood (Co-chair), Graham Brady (Chairman of the 1922 Committee) and Andrew Rosindell (President of Conservative Friends of Taiwan).
The reception also featured a number of exhibitions ranging from Taiwan manufactured mobility scooters, high-quality tools for vehicles and Taiwan’s internationally acclaimed Kavalan whisky.