An exhibition dedicated to the late Republic of China (ROC) diplomat Yang Hsi-kun (楊西崑), known locally as “Mr Africa” for his significant role in the development of relations with Africa, is set to open in Taipei this week, giving visitors a glimpse into his life.
Born in 1910, Yang is one of the most significant diplomats in the history of the ROC. He died in 2000 at the age of 90.
From 1952 to 1955, he was posted in Africa while working at the UN Trusteeship Council.
He returned to Taiwan to serve in several posts, including Ministry of Foreign Affairs director of the Department of African Affairs, vice foreign minister, deputy foreign minister, ROC ambassador to South Africa and national policy advisor to the president.
A seasoned diplomat, he had extensive experience in dealing with African affairs, which earned him the nickname “Mr Africa.”
The “Diplomatic Pioneer: Ambassador Yang Hsi-kun’s Memorial Exhibition,” held by the Central News Agency, is to give visitors an insight to Yang’s tenure as ambassador to South Africa from 1979 to 1989, during which time he helped set the stage for a climax in bilateral relations.
During his tenure in South Africa, he maintained a good relationship with his subordinates, including incumbent Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lin (林永樂). Lin served as Yang’s secretary from 1980 to 1987.
“Ambassador Yang Hsi-kun was a very good supervisor,” Lin said. “I learned a lot from him. He taught his juniors a great deal.”
Recalling ties between the ROC and South Africa at the time, Lin said it was the highest point in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Then-premier Sun Yun-suan (孫運璿) went to South Africa in March and October 1980 and then-South African prime minister P.W. Botha visited Taiwan, Lin said.
Those visits lay the foundation of bilateral cooperation and growing exchanges in trade and military in the following years, making South Africa the largest trade partner for the ROC, Lin said.
Meanwhile, he said, Yang’s experience at the UN Trusteeship Council allowed him to interact with leaders of other African countries, which helped the establishment of the ROC’s diplomatic ties with many African nation’s, he said.
Yang’s work in South Africa not only won him respect from ruling and opposition parties in South Africa, but also helped improve the social status of expatriates there.
Speaking about the upcoming exhibition, Lin said it is a meaningful event that would remember the diplomat and remind the public of that part of ROC history.
The exhibition opens on Wednesday and is scheduled to run through Dec. 21 in the lobby of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs building in Taipei.
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