British Office Taipei Representative Visits Hualien to Spotlight Indigenous Culture and Disaster Resilience

(中央社訊息服務20250826 14:35:42)British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones led a two-day visit to Hualien along with colleagues from the office. On August 24, the delegation was warmly received by Hualien County Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei at the county government. The visit continued on August 25, with the county showcasing key initiatives in Indigenous cultural preservation and disaster preparedness, reflecting Hualien’s strong sense of community and cultural depth.

The visit began with a hands-on experience of Indigenous bark cloth craft at the Bark Art Experience Village, guided by traditional artisan Hsu Hsiang-Lan. Representative Bradley-Jones and her team participated in bark pounding and exchanged creative ideas during the session. The group gained a deeper appreciation for the artistic expression and wisdom of Hualien’s Indigenous communities. Members of the delegation remarked that the program offered valuable insight into the preservation of Hualien’s multicultural heritage.

Later in the day, the delegation visited the Hualien County Disaster Response Center, where Deputy Director-General Li Long-Sheng of the Fire Department presented an overview of the county’s emergency preparedness strategies for earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural disasters. The two sides engaged in detailed discussion. Representative Bradley-Jones commended Hualien’s proactive efforts, noting the county’s strong readiness and expressing support for its continued work to mitigate risks and safeguard residents.

At lunchtime, the guests gathered at Mu Ming Restaurant to enjoy a special Indigenous-themed meal designed by renowned chef Hu Chih-Chiang, gold medalist at the 2023 Oceania International Master Chef Challenge. Through these regional flavors, the delegation gained a richer understanding of Hualien’s diverse culinary culture and everyday life. They were joined by Deputy Speaker Hsu Hsueh-Yu and County Councilors Wu Tung-Sheng, Dibus Ilai, and Han Lin-Mei, who extended a warm welcome on behalf of the County Council.

The British Office Taipei delegation included Natasha Harrington, Director of the Political and Communications Section; Gina Lowen, Deputy Head of the Political Section; and Chen Yu-Wei, Political Section Officer. The multi-dimensional visit left a strong impression on the UK delegation, enhancing opportunities for collaboration in culture, public safety, and people-to-people ties.

According to the Hualien County Government, Hualien is one of Taiwan’s regions most directly exposed to the forces of nature, where culture and resilience go hand in hand. Through this visit, the county was able to share both its beauty and its determination with international guests. Looking ahead, Hualien will continue advancing efforts in cultural development and disaster resilience while actively seeking more opportunities for international cooperation.