The Deputy Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chang Tien-chin, visited the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) on 14 November, where he delivered a speech entitled ‘Peace in the Taiwan Strait is an Important Cornerstone of Regional Security.’
In the speech, Deputy Minister Chang emphasised the importance of maintaining peace in a fast evolving international environment, while reaffirming Taiwan’s commitment to its role as a peacekeeper, calling upon the international community to support Taiwan in this role.
The Deputy Minister outlined the ROC government’s broad approach to international relations, in addition to elaborating current Cross-Strait ties. He stressed that the Tsai administration has continued to uphold peaceful relations between the two sides while acting pragmatically to increase dialogue, trust and mutual understanding.
Academics and students from Taiwan and the UK participated in enthusiastic exchanges during the event, asking a series of questions on issues such as Taiwan's position on the South China Sea arbitration, and the future prospects of cross-Strait relations.
The Deputy Minister’s visit formed part of a MAC delegation to the UK, during which officials called on the British-Taiwan APPG as well as a number of think tanks and scholars across the country. The delegation exchanged opinions on matters such as UK-Taiwan relations, cross-strait relations, the post-Brexit impact and the outcome of the US election.
