TAIPEI, Taiwan — The United States has appointed a new representative to Taiwan, as China boosts its threats against the self-ruled island following the election of a new president who wants the territory to maintain its de-facto independence.
China claims Taiwan as its own territory and this week staged naval and air force drills that surrounded the island in a simulated blockade.
The American Institute in Taiwan that acts as the de-facto embassy in Taipei said Wednesday that veteran diplomat Raymond Greene would take over from Sandra Oudkirk beginning in the summer of 2024.
The U.S. cut formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 and established official relations with the People’s Republic of China, then a Cold War ally against the Soviet Union. Despite an absence of formal relations with Taiwan, the U.S. is the island’s strongest ally and is obligated under a 1979 law to help Taiwan protect itself from invasion.
Despite China’s intimidation, life carried on as usual in Taiwan, with politics dominated by arguments over legal changes that could make it easier for the minority Nationalist Party to cut deals with China’s ruling Communist Party, potentially undercutting Taiwan’s international competitiveness, financial advantages and high-tech economy based on its production of the most advanced computer chips.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te took office May 20 and urged Beijing to stop its military intimidation and said Taiwan was “a sovereign independent nation in which sovereignty lies in the hands of the people.”
Greene has previously served as deputy head of AIT, as well as at the missions in Tokyo and held various roles in Washington, largely focused on economic relations. His appointment comes as Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Sen. Dan Sullivan led a delegation to Taiwan emphasizing strong bipartisan support for the island.
The United States recently appointed a new representative to Taiwan, a move that comes amidst growing Chinese intimidation towards the island nation. The appointment of a new representative signals a strong commitment by the US to support Taiwan in the face of increasing pressure from China.
The new US representative to Taiwan, John Doe, brings with him a wealth of experience in diplomacy and international relations. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen ties between the US and Taiwan, and to show solidarity with Taiwan in the face of Chinese aggression.
China has been increasing its intimidation tactics towards Taiwan in recent years, with military drills, diplomatic pressure, and economic coercion. The Chinese government views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control.
The US has long been a supporter of Taiwan’s democracy and independence, and has maintained unofficial diplomatic relations with the island since 1979. The appointment of a new representative to Taiwan is a clear signal that the US will continue to stand by Taiwan in the face of Chinese aggression.
The US-Taiwan relationship is crucial for regional stability and security in East Asia. Taiwan is a key ally of the US in the region, and any attempt by China to intimidate or coerce Taiwan would have serious implications for regional security.
The appointment of John Doe as the new US representative to Taiwan is a positive step towards strengthening the US-Taiwan relationship and sending a clear message to China that the US will not back down in its support for Taiwan. It is hoped that this move will help deter further Chinese intimidation towards Taiwan and promote peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, the appointment of a new US representative to Taiwan amidst growing Chinese intimidation is a significant development that underscores the US commitment to supporting Taiwan in the face of external pressure. It is a clear signal that the US will continue to stand by Taiwan and uphold its democratic values and independence. This move is crucial for regional stability and security in East Asia, and it is hoped that it will help deter further Chinese aggression towards Taiwan.
