But Shaheen, who has long coveted the AIT post, has written extensively in favor of greater US support for Taiwan. In a Washington Times article published in March 2001, for instance, Shaheen argued for closer US-Taiwan military ties and an "integrated defensive alliance" to repel any Chinese attack.
"It is plain to all that Taiwan is incapable of defending itself against a determined attack from the PRC," she wrote.
"Certainly the United States would have to become directly involved, and soon, if we were to save the island," she said.
Many Taiwan-watchers note that Shaheen's connections will stand her in good stead, despite the lesser official role of the office and her lack of government experience.
In this, they say, she will be able to parry the greater recent influence of the institute's Taiwan representative Douglas Paal, who is said to have the solid backing of the State Department, especially Assistant Secretary for East Asia and Pacific Affairs James Kelly.
Additional reporting by Sandy Huang
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