Melbourne Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce

Madam President, Representative Lin, distinguished guests and friends of Taiwan, I am delighted to be able to join you this evening for the President’s Appreciation dinner.

As this is a chamber of commerce, let me begin by reflecting on the significant trading relationship between Australia and Taiwan. Australia exports some $11 billion of product to Taiwan – our 14th most important destination. We also import some $5 billion of goods and services.

Taiwan is more than a trading partner, it is the home of origin for many of our fellow Australians, and a country with which we have developed many cultural and other links.

Having first visited Taiwan 30 years ago, it has been remarkable to observe the advances of the Republic of China, economically and politically, over the past three decades. I am sure that when I visit again, which I hope to do this year, I will observe the continuing progress of the Taiwanese people, despite the challenges of the Covid 19 pandemic.

The nation of Taiwan is sovereign in all but name. Yet it faces an existential threat to its democracy and the liberty of its people. Freedom-loving people globally must stand beside the Taiwanese people as they face this continuing challenge.

A lesson of the past year is that when supported by the free nations of the world, a small state can withstand the threats, the hostility and the military intervention of an aggressor. When an aggressor thumbs its nose at the rule of law, human rights and universally recognised freedoms, we have no option other than to lend our voice and our hand in resistance. As the English poet, John Donne, wrote, ‘no country is an island, entire of itself.’

I am delighted to join you this evening, and wish you well in your important endeavours to strengthen ties between Australia and Taiwan.

President’s Appreciation Dinner, Sofitel Hotel, Melbourne, June 2, 2022.