Taiwan’s US representative clarifies Twitter profile after media storm
- Hsiao Bi-khim says she is not an ambassador, but like one, after observers point out detail in her online bio
- Clarification comes at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over the self-ruled island
Hsiao responded to media attention over the bio – which describes her as “Taiwan ambassador to the US” – in a tweet on Monday which acknowledged that her official title was “representative” of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), which functions as unofficial embassy for the island.
“Sorry to disappoint so many supporters, but Taiwan ambassador is what many call me and also my job description,” she added. There was no change to the bio on the account, which is described as personal.
The US does not have formal ties with the self-ruled island and Beijing – which regards Taiwan as a renegade province, to be returned to the mainland by force if necessary – has threatened to take action against moves that undermine its claims to sovereignty.
Tensions, already heightened as a result of fraying cross-strait relations and ongoing disputes between China and the US, have been worsened by high-profile meetings between senior Washington and Taipei officials.
An ambassadorial rank for Hsiao would signal an elevation of relations to a formal diplomatic level which Beijing would certainly see as a crossing of its political “red lines” on Taiwan.