/>“No unification, no independence, no war”
Ambassador Chang addresses Young Fabians at Taipei Representative Office
What was clear from the discussion was the range of views that exist in Taiwan today, but also that cross-strait relations with China were both as economically strong and politically stable as they’d ever been since Chang Kai-shek left the mainland to set up government of the Republic of China in Taiwan.
Ambassador Katharine S.Y. Chang opened the evening with a speech which outlined bilateral relations between Taiwan and the UK and gave an overview of the work of the TRO. The panel discussion saw Deputy Representative Ray Mou attempt 400 years of Taiwanese history in the first two minutes of his comments. He swiftly moved on to discuss cross-strait relations, particularly emphasising that political issues emanating from the history of the region have been put to one side for now in order to continue developing the good economic relations being enjoyed with the People’s Republic of China today.
President Ma Ying-jeou was elected last year on a platform of no unification, no independence, no war - and seemingly this status quo appeals to the nation. That’s not to say, however, that all is good. The tragedy of Typhoon Morakot placed the government under considerable pressure and forced a number of resignationsfrom the ruling KMT party. The ensuing visit by the Dalai Lama to support victims has, Dr Dafydd Fell (SOAS’ senior lecturer in Taiwanese politics, and our second panellist) told us, caused tourists from the Chinese mainland to avoid going to the areas the Dalai Lama went to.
The Q&A brought out contrasting takes on public opinion – with Dr Fell suggesting that in appropriate circumstances, Taiwanese people would favour independence – and a discussion on migration. We learnt too of the excitement of Taiwanese election campaigns.
Conversation continued informally over food and drinks and the TRO staff were very interested to hear that Young Fabians had visited the Chinese Embassy earlier in the year given that – despite a willingness to talk to the mainland Chinese in London – they can’t engage themselves on an official level.
An interesting and enjoyable evening; thanks go to the TRO (particularly Assistant Director, Yi Chih-Chen) for hosting Young Fabian members. And I’m sure plenty will be taking up Dr Fell’s offer to attend his own events on Taiwan in 2010.
