Ulster Unionist peer Lord Rogan has urged the UK government to strengthen its ties with Taiwan, particularly in light of China’s recent military exercises in the region. Speaking in the House of Lords today, Lord Rogan emphasised the need for closer cooperation, including potential visits from senior government ministers, as tensions escalate between Taiwan and China.
The call for enhanced relations comes on the heels of a series of air and sea military drills conducted by China near Taiwan, coinciding with a planned trip to Beijing by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Lord Rogan expressed his concern, stating, “The Chinese President’s decision to authorise military drills around Taiwan in the week our Foreign Secretary is due to arrive in China underlines not only his contempt for the Taiwanese population but also the British people.”
In his address, Lord Rogan referenced previous visits made by the UK Prime Minister to Taiwan in 2016 and 2018, highlighting the leader’s understanding of the challenges facing the island nation. He posed a direct question to the Deputy Leader of the House of Lords, Lord Collins, asking whether the Prime Minister or Foreign Secretary intends to visit Taiwan in their current roles to engage in dialogue.
Responding to Lord Rogan’s remarks, Lord Collins acknowledged the complexities of the UK’s relationship with Taiwan, noting that while there are no formal diplomatic relations, the UK maintains a strong and unofficial partnership with the island. “The United Kingdom has no diplomatic relations with them, but a strong, unofficial relationship based on deep and growing ties in a wide range of areas underpinned by democratic values,” he stated.
Lord Collins further emphasised the importance of this relationship, highlighting its benefits for both the UK and Taiwan. He outlined ongoing engagements across various sectors, including economic, trade, educational, and cultural exchanges. “We will continue to engage with Taiwan on economic, trade, educational and cultural ties,” he affirmed.
The discussion in the House of Lords reflects a growing recognition of the need for the UK to enhance its connections with Taiwan, particularly as regional tensions rise due to China’s assertive stance. This follows an increasing trend of UK politicians advocating for deeper ties with Taiwan, viewing the island as a key partner in promoting democratic values and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
As the situation develops, observers note that the UK’s response to the Chinese military exercises will be closely watched. The potential for senior ministers to visit Taiwan could signal a shift in diplomatic engagement, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to supporting Taiwan amidst ongoing challenges from China.
The conversation also highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing shared values and mutual interests, particularly in the face of aggressive posturing by nations like China. As the UK navigates its foreign policy priorities, strengthening ties with Taiwan may play a critical role in fostering regional stability and promoting democratic governance in the area.
Lord Rogan’s call for closer UK-Taiwan relations underscores the pressing need for dialogue and cooperation, setting the stage for potential future engagements as the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve.
