On 19 July, Representative Lin’s interview with City AM Editor Christian May was published in the London newspaper under the title “Why Taiwan thinks that freedom is contagious”. The interview covered Taiwan’s relations with the UK, China as well as developments in Hong Kong. Commenting on Taiwan’s status and diplomatic relations, Representative Lin stated that Taiwan is an independent country and stressed the importance of substance in terms of its relations with the UK and other nations. Representative Lin also commented on Taiwan’s growing commercial relationship with Britain, pointing out that five Taiwanese banks and Taiwan’s central bank as well as the Taiwan Trade Centre (TAITRA) all operate in London. Regarding China blocking Taiwan’s participation in this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show, Representative Lin expressed concern over China’s increasing influence and pressure on the City. He also pointed out that the Foreign Office made it clear that the UK government felt that Taiwan should be involved in the show.
Representative Lin also highlighted Taiwan’s support for pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong. He stressed that “we want China to understand that their so-called ‘one country, two systems’ model is not good,” adding that Taiwan cannot accept one country, two systems. Remarking on Taiwan’s upcoming elections in 2020, Representative Lin expressed concern over disinformation campaigns and political influence from the Chinese side. The Taiwan Head of Missions in the UK also emphasised the importance of maintaining cross-strait relations, stressing that “China is still our economic partner, our trading partner.” Commenting on the possibility of political reform in China, Representative Lin stated that “I feel Taiwan and Hong Kong can really serve as a good example for China to see how freedom works.”
