Taipei Representative Office in the United Kingdom facts for kids
 駐英國台北代表處 |
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| Agency overview | |
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| Jurisdiction |  United Kingdom Seychelles Sierra Leone |
| Headquarters | 50 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W 0EB, Victoria, London |
| Agency executive |
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| Parent agency | Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Website | Taipei Representative Office in the U.K. |
The Taipei Representative Office in the UK (TRO) is like a special office for Taiwan in the United Kingdom. It helps Taiwan and the UK work together on many things. Even though it's not a full embassy, it's the most important office Taiwan has in the UK.
This office helps with culture, business, and political matters between the two places. It also offers services to Taiwanese people living or visiting the UK, like helping with passports. The similar office for the UK in Taiwan is called the British Office Taipei.
Contents
How Did the Taipei Office Start?
Early Connections Between China and the UK
A long time ago, the Chinese Empire had an embassy in the UK. This embassy was later taken over by the government of the Republic of China. After a big conflict in China in 1949, the UK first continued to recognize the Republic of China's government.
Changing Relationships and New Offices
However, in 1950, the UK changed its mind and started to recognize the People's Republic of China instead. Because of this, Taiwan needed a different kind of office in London. So, in September 1963, Taiwan opened an office called the Free Chinese Centre. In 1992, this office changed its name to what it is today: the Taipei Representative Office in the UK.
What Does the Office Do?
The Taipei Representative Office in the UK is organized into different parts, each handling specific tasks.
- Consular Division: This part helps Taiwanese citizens with things like passports and visas.
- Culture Division: This division promotes Taiwanese culture in the UK.
- Economic Division: This part helps with trade and business between Taiwan and the UK.
- Education Division: This section supports educational exchanges and students.
- Financial Division: This division handles money matters related to the office.
- Overseas Compatriots Division: This part helps Taiwanese people living abroad.
- Press Division: This section shares news and information about Taiwan.
- Science and Technology Division: This division promotes cooperation in science and technology.
Who Are the Representatives?
The office is led by a "Representative," who is like an ambassador. Here are some of the people who have held this important role:
- Eugene Chien (1993–1997)
- Tzen Wen-hua
- Tien Hung-mao (2002–2004)
- Edgar Lin (2004–2007)
- Katharine Chang (2007–2011)
- Shen Lyu-shun (2011–2014)
- Liu Chih-kung (2014–2016)
- David Lin (2016–2020)
- Kelly Hsieh (2020–2024)
- Vincent Yao (since 2024)
How to Get to the Office?
The main office is located in London. The easiest way to get there is by public transport. The closest train and underground station is London Victoria station.
Where Else Does the Office Have Branches?
Besides the main office in London, the Taipei Representative Office also has a branch office in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Which Areas Do the Offices Cover?
The different offices are responsible for helping people in specific areas:
| Representative Office | Consular district |
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| Taipei Representative Office in the UK (London) | This office covers Southern England (but not County Durham and Cumbria), Northern Ireland, Wales, Guernsey, and Jersey. It also helps people in Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Falkland Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Cayman Islands. |
| Taipei Representative Office in the UK, Edinburgh Office | This office covers Northern England (specifically County Durham and Cumbria), Scotland, and the Isle of Man. |
