Downfall of head of US 'embassy' on island was self-inflicted, say analysts

The departure of Therese Shaheen as chairwoman of the American Institute in Taiwan, which represents Washington's interests on the island, was a result of her own doing rather than at the behest of Beijing, according to US analysts.

Ms Shaheen's continued 'over-interpretation' of US policy on the island led to her departure despite having political protection from the highest levels in the Republican Party, they said.

A senior Washington expert on Taiwan and mainland affairs said: 'Of course, Beijing did not like Ms Shaheen's views on Taiwan, but the most important fact is that [US President George W. Bush] did not find her helpful because she kept sending mixed messages about the administration's policies ... Her problem was discipline, not Beijing.'

On Thursday, US State Department spokesman Adam Ereli confirmed media reports that Ms Shaheen had submitted her resignation as the head of the institute's Washington office, citing personal reasons.

'She said that with the conclusion of [the presidential] elections in Taiwan it was an appropriate time for her to step aside and said that she wanted to spend more time with her daughter,' Mr Ereli said.

The Washington Times reported that Ms Shaheen's departure was forced as a result of direct pressure from Beijing, something Mr Ereli had denied.

While analysts agreed Beijing had made no secret of its disdain for Ms Shaheen, they said her departure was because of her exaggeration of the Bush administration's support for the island since her appointment in January last year.