Representative to the United States Hsiao Bi-khim 結果共5筆

Alexander Yui, Taiwan’s new representative to the United States, arrived in Washington D.C. on Monday (Dec. 11), to assume his post. Ingrid Larson, the managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), welcomed him at the airport. Yui’s arrival follows the resignation of former representative Hsiao Bi-khim on Nov. 20. Yui, who had recently become the top envoy to the EU and Belgium, was chosen to replace Hsiao. Yui emphasized security, economic and trade cooperation, and Taiwan’s international space as the key aspects of Taiwan-U.S. relations. He highlighted the need to safeguard Taiwan’s upcoming election from external influences. Yui committed to deepening Taiwan-U.S. relations by building on Hsiao’s work and collaborating with his embassy team. Laura Rosenberger, chair of AIT, expressed confidence in Yui’s experience and anticipated further development and strengthening of the bilateral partnership.

Hsiao Bi-khim, a political veteran, returned to Hualien to rally support for DPP legislative candidate Chang Mei-hui despite unpleasant weather. Hsiao, who made history in 2016 by securing a majority in Hualien for the DPP, faced defeat in the 2020 legislative elections. After her loss, she was appointed to a diplomatic position in the United States. Chang emphasized the need for a representative who could continue the development work of Hsiao and her late husband, former Hualien Mayor Tien Chih-hsuan. Hualien, traditionally a stronghold for the KMT, is of great interest during election seasons. DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, Premier Chen Chien-jen, Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun, former agriculture minister Chen Chi-chung, and DPP Legislator Fan Yun also showed support for Chang.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is set to announce its electoral team pairing Lai Ching-te and Representative to the United States Hsiao Bi-khim for the 2024 election. Hsiao, who has a strong connection with Hualien due to her previous work and local election runs, will travel to Hualien for a campaign rally and the establishment of the campaign headquarters. Hsiao’s office is undergoing urgent renovations, indicating a flurry of activity. Many legislative candidates have expressed interest in having Hsiao endorse their campaigns, leading to numerous inquiries to the DPP’s Central Executive Committee and campaign headquarters.

Representative Hsiao Bi-khim missed an overseas community event in the United States due to poor health and rumors have circulated that she may return to Taiwan for a possible election campaign. Hsiao was scheduled to attend a Thanksgiving dinner with AIT Chair Laura Rosenberger but cited discomfort from a recent COVID-19 vaccine booster. Speculation has arisen that Hsiao may become Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s running mate in the 2024 presidential election. Lai has remained tight-lipped about the vice presidential candidate, stating that the consideration is almost complete and an announcement will be made at the appropriate time. The presidential election registration in Taiwan is scheduled from November 20 to 24.

Taiwan Representative to the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim, commented Tuesdayon mainland China’s ＂spy balloon.＂