TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) announced on Mon (Dec. 16) that William Brent Christensen (酈英傑), the former director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), recently visited to express his newfound appreciation for Taiwan's history after leaving public office. Lin emphasized Christensen's deep emotional connection to Taiwan's journey.
Christensen, after concluding his tenure in 2021, returned to the U.S., where Lin and his wife bid him farewell with a symbolic "Yongbao Ankang" ("Peace and Health Always") train ticket wishing him well. Christensen later served as the U.S. envoy to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), where he supported Taiwan's meaningful participation, reinforcing his status as a friend of Taiwan.
Now, Christensen teaches cross-strait relations at Brigham Young University (楊百翰大學) in Utah, drawing on his profound understanding of the Taiwan Strait situation. Lin noted Christensen's praise for Taiwan's Mandarin teachers, who he believes can help more foreigners learn the language, aligning with President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) "Youth Overseas Dream Fund program" (青年百億海外圓夢基金計畫).
Lin expressed hope that more Taiwanese students will study at Brigham Young University to enhance bilateral exchanges. Lin also discussed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) "Co-Prosperity Project with Allies Countries" in the South Pacific, highlighting its achievements and future plans. He anticipates stronger collaboration with the U.S., Japan, Australia, and New Zealand to help Pacific island nations combat extreme climate threats and China's authoritarian expansion.
