Consular Conversations: Taiwan-Canada Relations Amid the Indo-Pacific Strategy

About this event

Rising geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Straight have brought Taiwan into the international spotlight. The policy-defining Indo-Pacific Strategy of Global Affairs Canada and the House of Commons’ Canada and Taiwan: A Strong Relationship in Turbulent Times reinforce the importance of Canada’s relationship with Taiwan, our 13th largest trading partner worldwide and 6th largest trading partner in Asia. The stability of this region holds considerable importance for the wellbeing and interests of both Taiwanese and Canadians.

Director General Lihsin (Angel) Liu of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Vancouver is Taiwan’s highest ranking diplomat in western Canada. Director General Liu will present an overview on Canada-Taiwan relations,her views on ways to strengthen the relationship, and highlight how we can work together to solidify economic, cultural, and Indigenous relationships. She will also share with the audience on how China interfered into Taiwan’s recent Presidential election and how Taiwan responded with democratic resilience. Questions submitted by registrants in advance will be reviewed and a portion of the discussion will be tailored to the interests of the audience.

Prior to her current post with TECO in Vancouver, Director General Liu served in many different roles with Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During her 25 years of service with the Ministry, she was posted in the American cities of Houston and Los Angeles, and was tasked with important projects at the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs, Deputy Foreign Minister’s Office, Mainland Affairs Council, and departments responsible for North American, East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Liu holds a master’s degree in China Studies and International Economics from John Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies.

The SFU School for International Studies' Consular Conversations series is a monthly public forum featuring discussions with members of the Consular Corps in Vancouver. These conversations are moderated by Dr. Ricardo Arredondo, an IS Adjunct Professor and Consul General of Argentina. The goal is to bring together the Consular Corps of British Columbia for public lectures that encourage dialogue on issues that transcend borders, explore inspiring topics, and cultivate connections. The primary audience will be members of the Consular Corps of British Columbia and the Schools for International Studies and Public Policy. This is an exceptional opportunity for students in both SFU units.

Speaker Bio

Li-hsin (Angel) Liu

Lihsin Liu assumed her post as Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver in October 2021. During her 25 years of foreign service for the Taiwan Foreign Ministry, she was posted twice in the United States, respectively in Houston, Texas in 2002-2008, and Los Angeles, California in 2012-2018. Prior to her current post, she worked in the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs, Deputy Foreign Minister’s Office, Mainland Affairs Council, Department of North American Affairs and Department of East Asian & Pacific Affairs. She has a master’s degree from SAIS, the Johns Hopkins University with a major in China Studies and international economics. She enjoys hiking, traveling, jogging, watching movies and reading. Li-hsin is happily married to Sam Tsay, a Taiwanese American and a commercial real estate investor and developer in Dallas, Texas, and they have no children.