President Tsai Ing-wen has appointed National Security Council official Hsiao Bi-khim as Taiwan’s new representative to the United States. Hsiao is the first woman to hold this position.
Presidential Office spokesman Ting Yun-kung said on Wednesday that Hsiao has made long-term contributions to Taiwan-US ties. Ting said that Hsiao has also contributed to exchanges between lawmakers from different countries, as well as to Taiwan’s participation in the international community.
Ting said Hsiao’s expertise and extensive experience have won trust and recognition from diplomatic circles, and that her appointment was swiftly approved by Washington.
Ting said that President Tsai Ing-wen hopes Hsiao will continue deepening ties with the US on the basis of the firm foundations already in place.
Hsiao was a lawmaker for 14 years, specializing in national defense issues, international relations, and diplomatic affairs. She was the chair of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats as well as vice chair of Liberal International. Hsiao holds a Master’s Degree in political science from Columbia University.