Ocean Affairs Council Chair Guan Bi-ling Invites UK Representative to Celebrate Dragon Boat Festival on Coast Guard Ship

Central News Agency (CNA) reported on June 18 in Kaohsiung that as the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, Chair Guan Bi-ling of the Ocean Affairs Council invited the UK Representative to Taiwan and other representatives to board the Coast Guard's 4,000-ton patrol ship 'Yunlin.' Participants engaged in activities such as wrapping Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and making fragrant sachets (Xiangbao), marking the first time a UK representative to Taiwan has boarded a large Coast Guard patrol ship and demonstrating the ongoing deepening of Taiwan-UK relations.

Chair Guan recently invited Representative Bao and Political and Press Section Head Tai-hsi Ho to the Yunlin ship, using the Dragon Boat Festival as an opportunity to offer early blessings to Coast Guard personnel who work tirelessly to protect Taiwan's maritime security and conduct rescue operations.

In her address, Chair Guan noted that the Dragon Boat Festival traditionally embodies deep meanings of unity, cooperation, and a shared mission to protect life. 'Some of the vital equipment on these Coast Guard ships are British brands, mirroring the partnership between Taiwan and the UK as we work together to protect Taiwan's maritime territory and maintain regional peace,' she stated.

Representative Bao expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality and rich cultural experience, calling the opportunity to experience the festival and taste authentic 'Taiwan-style' Zongzi an unforgettable memory.

Discussing bilateral development, Representative Bao used the stickiness of the glutinous rice in Zongzi to illustrate the deepening Taiwan-UK relationship, symbolizing the resilience and growth of their cooperation. She quoted the English proverb, 'Friends who eat together stay together,' emphasizing the profound partnership built on shared values in maintaining peace and protecting the oceans.

The event was filled with festival atmosphere, as Coast Guard personnel introduced the differences between Northern and Southern Zongzi. Chair Guan demonstrated the techniques for folding leaves, filling, and binding the dumplings, guiding Representative Bao through her first experience making a Taiwanese Zongzi.

During the process, Bao laughingly called Guan her 'Zongzi instructor,' and Guan praised Bao for her impressive skill. Both parties joined Coast Guard personnel in making sachets filled with wormwood and spices, symbolizing health and peace and representing the Coast Guard's long-term mission of safeguarding maritime territory.

Chair Guan also introduced traditions such as hanging calamus and wormwood and wearing sachets, showcasing how these customs reflect Taiwanese life-care and spiritual wellness culture.

Following the event, Chair Guan presented Bao with special 'cilantro-flavored Kuai Kuai' snacks, delighting the cilantro-loving representative. Bao returned the favor by presenting a sparkling wine from a brand once favored by the British royal family, symbolizing honor, good fortune, and vitality as a sincere blessing for Taiwan.

The Ocean Affairs Council noted that this follows their earlier invitation to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) leadership to experience Lunar New Year traditions. By inviting UK representatives, the Council aims to bring international partners closer to understanding the Taiwan Coast Guard and demonstrate Taiwan's resolve as an island nation to deepen cooperation with like-minded partners to safeguard maritime security and regional stability.