Chow Shu-Kai

Chow Shu-kai entered foreign affairs after studying political science at National Central University. He worked in the London embassy while continuing his education, served in Manchester, and later interpreted for George Marshall during the American mediation effort in China. His subsequent appointments included the Philippines, senior foreign ministry positions, the Overseas Community Affairs Council, and the embassy in Spain. ¹

In Washington, Chow’s work included representing the Republic of China in international agreements on astronaut rescue and nuclear nonproliferation. At his April 1971 farewell meeting with Henry Kissinger, he discussed the Nixon administration’s opening toward Beijing and warned that policies affecting Taiwan required public understanding there. He also presented his government’s position on the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, emphasizing the strength of public feeling surrounding the dispute. ^{2, 3}

Chow became foreign minister in 1971, during the struggle over Chinese representation at the United Nations. After the Republic of China lost its seat, he and his successor in Washington, James Shen, met Kissinger to discuss the vote and future relations. Chow later served as a minister without portfolio and as ambassador to the Holy See, remaining in that post until 1991. ^{1, 4}