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Representative to Washington to step down

Taiwan's de-facto ambassador to the US, Chen Chien-jen (程建人), has announced plans to retire after the March 20 presidential election to pursue personal interests.

Chen's career includes 37 years of public service.

Chen, whose title is representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the US, told the media of his decision in response to questions at his monthly "tea party" press conference in Taiwan's historic Twin Oaks mansion.

"I want to retire as soon as possible," Chen said, according to a translation by TECRO.

But the top Taiwan diplomat to the US said he realized that this would not be the best time to retire, given the upcoming presidential election and the frictions spawned by plans for an election-day referendum.

At the same time, he said that he would not continue to serve if President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) is re-elected.

The decision "did not happen all of a sudden," Chen Chien-jen told the Taipei Times. "It has been with me for many years. Because I have been in government service for so long, I have always felt that I would like to take some time for myself to do other things which are just as interesting."

In retirement, he said, he would like to teach and lecture at a university, write a book, travel and perhaps join a non-profit organization. Although he has been to 75 countries during his years of service, he has not had a chance to see those countries, he said.

The envoy said his decision had "nothing to do" with the upcoming referendum, according to a translation.

He said he began to think seriously about retirement after the US visit of first lady Wu Shu-chen (吳淑珍) in September 2002, when opponents criticized him for the fact that Wu was detained and searched at Washington's Dulles Airport on her return to Taiwan. Critics had called for him to step down.

He tried to tender his resignation during a trip to Taiwan after that incident, but the president rejected it.

During his annual return visit to Taiwan last year, he told the president again that he wished to retire.

Chen Chien-jen made his retirement disclosure after months of rumors about his future, both in Taipei and in Washington. He decided to announce his plans and explain them, he said, to eliminate any ambiguity.

"Sometimes, ambiguity can cause different interpretations, and I don't want that. It's not in the interests of the government, of the country, and it's not in the interest of me and my family," he said.

Chen Chien-jen expressed his appreciation to the president for naming him as envoy to Washington after his election in 2000.

"I am very appreciative of his giving me the opportunity to serve the country and the people," he said.

"As long as I'm here, I will work just as hard to carry out the instructions of the president and the government. I will continue to work hard to promote the interests of Taiwan and to promote better relations between Taiwan and the US," he said.
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