TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been invited to speak at the Ketagalan Forum, reports said Friday.

The latest edition of the forum, labeled as an Indo-Pacific security dialogue, opens Aug. 5. Former Canadian Defense Minister Jason Kenney is expected to attend, but a “mystery guest” referred to by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is believed to be Johnson, per CNA.

He was scheduling a tour of Asia, with both China and Taiwan on his itinerary. It would be the British Conservative politician’s first visit to Taiwan.

During his term as prime minister from 2019 to 2022, Johnson described himself as a “Sinophile” and promoted closer trade and investment relations with China. Relations between the two countries have been marred by Beijing’s crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong and by plans to build a large embassy compound in London. 

After the UK joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for a Trans-Pacific Partnership as its 12^th member, Taiwan has also been hoping to join, canvassing member nations for support.