US plans first cabinet visit to Taiwan in 14 years
Environmental protection chief, first cabinet-level official sent by Washington since 2000, seen by analysts as key in boosting ties
The United States' top environmental official will visit Taiwan in the first trip to the island by a US cabinet-level leader in 14 years, officials said yesterday.
Gina McCarthy, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, will travel to Taiwan and Vietnam from today to Wednesday to discuss co-operation, her agency said in a statement.
The trip would be the first by a cabinet-level US official to Taiwan since 2000, when then US president Bill Clinton sent transportation secretary Rodney Slater.
Beijing frequently protests against any hint of international recognition for Taiwan, which it considers a province awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
But tensions have abated markedly since President Ma Ying-jeou was elected in 2008 on a platform of improving relations with the mainland through economic and cultural co-operation.
Beijing has appeared eager to support Ma and in February held its first formal meeting with a Taiwanese government official since their 1949 split.
Still, McCarthy's visit, which had long been expected, was announced with a low-key statement over the weekend.