Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Democracies are at their most powerful when they stand together. Both Taiwan and the UK are strong and healthy democracies that have much to learn from each other. The benefits of democracy and democratic values are clear. Taiwan’s track record of peace, stability and liberty demonstrates the intrinsic value of democracy. I have no doubt that the relationship between the UK and Taiwan will continue to flourish as they stand united by our shared values and commitment to peace.

I have had the pleasure over the past few days of leading a delegation from the British House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee to Taiwan to meet its government and legislature to show our firm commitment to deepening engagement between our peoples. Visiting Taiwan has always been a priority for our committee. We wanted to learn more about Taiwan — its people, its government, its way of life and, yes, its great food!

A referendum held in conjunction with local government elections on Saturday proposed lowering the voting age from 20 to 18. However, Central Election Commission (CEC) data showed that votes fell short of the threshold — almost 9.62 million “yes” votes needed to pass — as only 5.65 million voters backed the proposed constitutional amendment, while 5.02 million voters opposed it.

Prior to the results, the Taiwan Alliance for Advancement of Youth Rights and Welfare, the Taiwan Youth Association for Democracy and other civil groups had argued that if people face obligations such as paying taxes and compulsory military service at 18 years old, they should also be given the right to vote.