In New Zealand, the mainstream media outlet “Newsroom” recently published an interview with Taiwan’s representative to New Zealand and former spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ou Chiang-an. The report highlighted Ou Chiang-an’s positive and effective communication skills, which have deeply touched the hearts of New Zealanders and garnered support from allies. The spirit of the Taiwanese people is gaining an edge in the international arena.
The article titled “Taiwan on a mission to win hearts and minds at critical moment” was published by Newsroom on the 16th. It covered Ou Chiang-an’s speech at Victoria University of Wellington on September 11, where she discussed the values shared between New Zealand and Taiwan in the realms of democracy, peace, and stability. The report also included an in-depth analysis based on the interview conducted with Ou Chiang-an.
The analysis emphasized the importance of Taiwan not only strengthening its own defense capabilities but also seeking international support and friendship. Ou Chiang-an has recently delivered two significant public speeches on foreign policy, actively engaging with various New Zealand political figures, foreign embassy officials, media, scholars, and others. Through cultural events such as the screening of the Taiwanese documentary “Invisible Nation,” she vividly shared Taiwan’s success stories with the people of New Zealand.
Although formally holding the title of “representative,” Ou Chiang-an is essentially Taiwan’s ambassador to New Zealand. She is described as a courteous and sincere diplomat, readily responding to inquiries about Taiwan’s greatest soft power by emphasizing the people of Taiwan as the most beautiful aspect of the nation. She highlighted the sincerity, kindness, resilience, and hopeful outlook of the Taiwanese people.
The report pointed out that the fascinating stories of the Taiwanese people have managed to touch the hearts of New Zealanders and win over allies. Ou Chiang-an’s speeches have been praised for their emotional impact, as she shares her diplomatic experiences and Taiwan’s aspirations for the future. Through active engagement and effective communication, Taiwan is positioned ahead in the race.
Furthermore, the article delved into Taiwan’s current challenging international position and the tensions across the Taiwan Strait. It underscored the resilience of the Taiwanese people in winning international friendships and support through a people-centric approach.
Amid the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ou Chiang-an shared her experiences of serving on the United Nations working group in New York for 13 years. She highlighted the distortion of UN Resolution 2758 by the Chinese Communist Party, resulting in the exclusion of the Taiwan government, people, and journalists from participating in the UN system.
She called on the UN Secretariat to return to neutrality, refrain from aligning with the CCP, and seek ways to include Taiwan in accordance with the UN Charter’s founding spirit. This inclusion would enable the UN to play a constructive role in conflict mediation, dialogue facilitation, and international dispute reduction to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ou Chiang-an affirmed Taiwan’s determination to strengthen its economic and defense systems in the face of Chinese propaganda and military threats, pledging to defend Taiwan’s freedom and democracy. She emphasized that at this critical moment of international order disruption, Taiwan serves as the frontline nation against authoritarian expansion and faces compound threats from the CCP. She stressed the importance of strength in creating peace and how small nations can leverage their ingenuity to outmaneuver larger powers.
Expressing her deep honor to be stationed in New Zealand, Ou Chiang-an expressed her profound love for the picturesque land, drawing inspiration from nature to contemplate geopolitical developments. She likened New Zealand to a utopia with a unique shielded environment that has shaped the country’s gentle and diplomatic national character, highly valued and worth protecting. In the “Five Eyes” alliance, New Zealand’s stance has always been moderate.
Acknowledging the ongoing security threats and foreign interference, Ou Chiang-an commended New Zealand for its high vigilance. She expressed gratitude towards New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Winston Peters for their consistent support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, advocating for peaceful dialogue to resolve disagreements, and opposing unilateral changes while rejecting the use of force, coercion, or threats.
She also praised the New Zealand government for its seriousness in addressing the severity of Chinese infiltration issues through reports such as the “Security Environment Threat Assessment Report” and the “National Security Strategy Report.”
Translated from Central News Agency