Canadian Representative Praises Taiwan's Diversity, Loves Stinky Tofu with Pickled Cabbage

(CNA Taipei, July 1, 2024) Canada's Representative to Taiwan, Marie Louise Hannan, stated in an interview with CNA that the office's growth from 3 to 53 staff members over 40 years signifies closer bilateral relations. She praised Taiwan's diversity and expressed her fondness for stinky tofu, "which must be served with plenty of pickled cabbage."

Hannan, who assumed her post in September last year, was interviewed by CNA on June 29, marking her first interview with a Chinese-language media outlet since taking office.

Regarding her work objectives in Taiwan, Hannan quoted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, emphasizing that middle powers must collaborate to forge a "third way" that truly makes an impact.

Hannan highlighted that Canada's economic and overall security are significant priorities, both of which are connected to Taiwan. Canada's stable growth in Taiwan and its view of Taiwan as an attractive market are expected to deepen partnerships in areas such as technological innovation, biotechnology, food, and clean energy. Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy already recognizes Taiwan as a trusted partner.

She also noted that beyond trade and investment, robust people-to-people exchanges form a precious cornerstone of Canada-Taiwan relations.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei. Hannan pointed out that Canada-Taiwan relations and exchanges actually predate 40 years, tracing back 150 years to when Canadian missionary George Leslie Mackay established schools, churches, and hospitals in northern Taiwan.

The Canadian Trade Office in Taipei was founded in 1986 with only three employees. After 40 years, the office now has 53 employees. Hannan stated this reflects the increasing closeness of bilateral relations across various fields.

Hannan's connection with Taiwan predates her diplomatic posting; she first came to Taiwan in 1989 to study Mandarin Chinese. She recalled staying at the Chientan Youth Activity Center in Taipei, where she could see the Grand Hotel from her window and thought, "Could Taipei really look like this? It's quite unique."

Later, Hannan received a Rotary Scholarship and returned to Taiwan from 1992 to 1993 to study Mandarin Chinese at National Taiwan Normal University while conducting research in computational linguistics at Academia Sinica. She was deeply impressed by the international students in her classes. Her last visit to Taiwan was in 2005, serving in the trade section of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei as a diplomat.

When asked about Taiwan's unique aspects, Hannan, who has been posted in several South Asian countries, said Taiwan's diversity is excellent, particularly its acceptance of gender diversity, which is rare in Asia. When asked about her favorite Taiwanese food, the vegetarian stated that Taiwan offers many delicious vegetarian options. "I tried stinky tofu and actually grew to like it. It must be served with plenty of pickled cabbage." (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150701)