TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Victoria University of Wellington firmly rejected a Chinese Embassy request Tuesday (Sept. 16) to cancel its Taiwan Update (台灣脈動) seminar, according to Newsroom reports. The university allowed the academic event to proceed as originally planned despite diplomatic pressure from Beijing. The seminar was designed to enhance New Zealanders' understanding of Taiwan's complex economic, cultural, and security challenges in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.
Taiwan's representative in New Zealand, Joanne Ou (歐江安), delivered a keynote speech at the seminar on Sept. 4, advocating for Taiwan's inclusion in major international organizations. Ou specifically urged Taiwan's participation in the United Nations system, INTERPOL, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) during her address. New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson emphasized that foreign embassies operating within the country must respect local laws and uphold academic and speech freedoms.
Taiwan's representative office in New Zealand voiced strong support for the academic independence and freedom of speech cherished by the country's tertiary institutions. The office's spokesperson affirmed their belief that universities should maintain the right to explore any topics of scholarly interest without external interference. The Chinese Embassy remained silent when contacted by Newsroom for comment regarding their attempted intervention in the academic event. ◼