TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) received former UK Minister of State for Security Tom Tugendhat at the Presidential Office on Tuesday.
Hsiao thanked Tugendhat for defending freedom and democracy, according to the Presidential Office. His visit to Taiwan demonstrates the friendship and cooperation between the UK and Taiwan, Hsiao said.
Hsiao also appreciated Tugendhat and the UK government’s consistent support of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and opposition to China’s misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758. She cited the COVID-19 pandemic as an example highlighting the need for inclusive and universal cooperation.
The vice president said that democracies must strengthen cooperation to ensure technology is used to assist human progress rather than becoming a tool of control.
Tugendhat arrived in Taiwan on Saturday for a four-day visit to engage with top Taiwanese officials, including Legislative Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) and National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮).
Taiwan’s foreign ministry praised Tugendhat for expressing concern about China’s authoritarianism and human rights abuses, as well as his active defense of democracy and freedom.