Taiwan does not have formal diplomatic relations with Australia and the United States, but they do have diplomatic representatives in both countries and formal or informal ties all over the world. Taiwan’s representative to Australia Douglas Hsu sat down with Research Director Jared Mondschein to discuss the state of play in Taiwan on the precipice of their upcoming presidential election.

What challenges does not having formal diplomatic ties to Australia and the United states bring? Is Taiwan being used as a pawn in strategic competition with China? How concerned is Taiwan about whether the United States or Australia would come to its defence if China decides to invade it?

Douglas Hsu is Taiwan’s Representative to Australia. He was previously Director General of North American Affairs within Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served in the Political and Congressional Liaison divisions of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.

You may also want to watch our event replay Taiwan's upcoming election: The implications for Australia featuring Douglas Hsu, Richard McGregor, Dr Lavina Lee and Dr Michael Green.

 

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan