Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) is in the United States this week, that’s according to a report by Reuters on Tuesday.
An anonymous Taiwanese official said that Hsiao arrived in the U.S. this week on a “personal trip.” The official said the time spent there will include packing her personal belongings but did not further elaborate on Hsiao’s schedule.
Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Liu Pengyu (刘鹏宇) said China condemns this move and “firmly opposes” interactions between U.S. officials and Taiwan. China has consistently urged the U.S. to adhere to the “one-China principle”, claiming Taiwan as part of China’s territory.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson echoed that Hsiao’s trip was made in a personal capacity and did not comment on whether Hsiao would be meeting with U.S. officials during her time there. The spokesperson added that a longstanding precedent of transits by Taiwan officials has been in place and includes visits by candidates and the vice president-elect before they assume office.
President-elect Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Vice president-elect Hsiao Bi-khim of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won in this year’s election and will take office on May 20.