Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lin (林永樂) yesterday rejected speculation that the US has demanded that Taiwan remove Representative to the US Shen Lyu-shun (沈呂巡) over a Republic of China (ROC) flag-raising ceremony in Washington.
Lin told legislators that “there is absolutely no such demand” when asked about the issue during a legislative hearing in Taipei.
The flap over the incident is “over,” Lin said, citing remarks made on Saturday by American Institute in Taiwan Director Christopher Marut.
Marut said the US and Taiwan “have enjoyed a firm foundation of friendship that we continue to build today.”
Lin reiterated that Taipei will continue its “low-profile, surprise-free” approach in its relations with the US, with a focus on getting bilateral ties back on track.
The Jan. 1 ceremony was contentious because it took place at the Twin Oaks Estate, the former residence of ROC ambassadors to the US and a property that still belongs to Taiwan’s government.
The ceremony was the first of its kind since Dec. 31, 1978, the day before Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing.
Hailed in Taipei as a breakthrough and a sign of the warm relationship between Taiwan and the US, the action led to protests by China and US disapproval.
Shen later said that not only did he not inform US officials in advance, he also failed to notify Taipei that the ROC flag would be raised at Twin Oaks.
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