July 18, 2022
No. 171
A delegation from the US-based Atlantic Council, led by former US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and composed of former Diplomatic Advisor to the Italian President Stefano Stefanini and Senior Vice President of the Atlantic Council Barry Pavel, is visiting Taiwan from July 18 to 21. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) warmly welcomes them.
The delegation will call on high-level government officials and related ministries and agencies and interact and conduct exchanges with think tank representatives and business leaders. The group aims to gain a better understanding of Taiwan’s latest developments and exchange views on a wide range of topics, including security, economic, and trade issues in the Indo-Pacific and Taiwan’s relations with the United States and Europe.
During his tenure as Defense Secretary, Mr. Esper publicly expressed support and commitment to democratic Taiwan on numerous occasions and has since continued to show concern for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as a friend of Taiwan. In the wake of the war between Russia and Ukraine, the international community has become more alert and concerned that Taiwan is under direct threat from an authoritarian regime. MOFA anticipates that the visit by the Atlantic Council delegation will increase understanding and support for Taiwan among US and European policymakers.
The Atlantic Council is a nonpartisan US think tank based in Washington, DC. It was founded to enhance transatlantic policy research and cooperation and has strong connections in the United States and across Europe. Its studies are held in high regard by policymakers in countries around the world. (E)