The US government’s representative office in Taiwan has officially welcomed its new chief, Sandra Oudkirk. On Thursday, Oudkirk officially assumed the position of Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). The institute is the top US body governing relations with Taiwan in the absence of official diplomatic ties.
A press release on the institute’s website says Oudkirk has “a wealth of experience from her 30-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service”. It also says she has “a deep understanding of the East Asian and Pacific region, and a commitment to and passion for diplomacy.” It concludes by saying Oudkirk “looks forward to building on the successes of her predecessors and to further advancing the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.”
Oudkirk is the first woman to lead the American Institute in Taiwan. Her predecessor, former Director Brett Christenson, left Taiwan on Thursday morning.
Following Central Epidemic Command Center regulations, Oudkirk will report for duty in early August, after completing 14 days of quarantine and seven days of self-health management.