The foreign ministry has denied a local news report that the United States demanded Taiwan’s representative to the US Shen Lyushun be replaced.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Anna Kao made the comments on Saturday. She was responding to a report by the Taipei-based Liberty Times newspaper. The report also said that the US administration will deal directly with Taiwan’s foreign ministry and National Security Council, presumably until Shen is replaced.
On New Year’s Day, the flag of the Republic of China on Taiwan was raised at Taiwan-owned Twin Oaks Estate in Washington DC, the first time in 36 years.
However, while the flag-raising ceremony was hailed in Taipei as a breakthrough and a sign of good relations between Taiwan and the US, the action led to protests by China and the US statements of disapproval. It emerged later that Shen did not inform US officials or Taiwan’s government of the ceremony in advance.
On Saturday the foreign ministry spokeswoman said Taiwan’s government remains in close contact with the US. She added that the channels of communication are operating well.