Press Conference: Survey of Taiwan’s Public Attitude towards Diplomacy & International Affairs

Persistent diplomatic isolation is said to have limited our countrymen’s international outlook. How has the Taiwanese public perceived Mainland China with respect to politics, economics and security since Tsai Ing-wen assumed presidency in May 2016? What about their perceptions of ROC’s diplomatic allies and takes on Taiwan’s current regional and international situation?

In addition, do their worldviews qualify them as “world citizens”? Is it possible to conclude from the survey the substance of their international outlook and understanding of the world’s major powers and our neighboring countries? More importantly, would the afore-mentioned public opinion affect our current and future foreign policies? 

To explore those important questions, the Association of Foreign Relations (AFR) will host a press conference on “Survey of Taiwan’s Public Attitude towards Diplomacy & International Affairs” at 10 am, 19 August 2016 (Fri.), Alexander Hall/Room of the GIS NTU Convention Center, and welcomes your coverage of the event and survey findings. 
The telephone poll was conducted in late June/early July 2016 by Taiwan Real Survey Co., collecting over 1,140 valid samples which were asked of their understanding of current international developments, opinion on foreign countries with respect to regional politics, economics and security and views of ROC (Taiwan)’s international participation and diplomatic relations. 

Press Conference: Survey of Taiwan’s Public Attitude towards Diplomacy & International Affairs 
Organizer: Association of Foreign Relations
Co-organizer: Taiwan Real Survey Co.
Date/Time: 19 August 2016 (Fri.) 10-11 am
Location: Alexander Hall/Room, GIS NTU Convention Center (B1, No. 85, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei City)
Commentators: 
 Shih-yuan Kao, general manager of Taiwan Real Survey Co., & part-time lecturer at National Taiwan University of Arts’ Department of Radio and Television 
 Kwei-bo Huang, AFR secretary-general, associate professor at National Chengchi University’s Department of Diplomacy & former ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for Policy Planning 
 Joanne J. L. Chang, AFR director, research fellow at Institute of European and American Studies, Academia Sinica & former ROC Deputy Representative to the US

RSVP at 886-2-2707-3929 / wclo@afr.org.tw / contact@afr.org.tw (Ms. Lo)
The Association of Foreign Relations (AFR) is Taiwan’s premier non-profit and non-partisan global outreach organization. AFR seeks to combine the resources of the public, private, and third sectors foster lasting relationships, both cross-Strait and beyond, to uphold the image and significance of Taiwan, ROC. AFR also facilitates and hosts new exchange opportunities including meetings, academic seminars, conferences, and formal speech events that help raise awareness about international affairs while exploring new opportunities for Taiwan’s outreach.
AFR began in late 2011 and elected its very first chair Ambassador Francisco H. L. Ou, former ROC Foreign Minister; vice-chair Ambassador Louis W. H. Tzen, former ROC representative to UK; and standing supervisor Ambassador Victor W. C. Hu, former Senior Advisor to the President of the Republic of China. Dr. Vincent Siew,
former ROC Vice President, was invited to serve as AFR’s Honorary Chairperson, and Mr. Zhang Pingzhao, Honorary Chairperson of the ROC General Chamber of Commerce, as Honorary Vice President. Professor Kwei-Bo Huang from National Chengchi University’s Department of Diplomacy was appointed as the organization’s
Secretary-General.