‘DEEPEST GRIEF’: Representative to Japan Frank Hsieh said that the nation’s offices in Japan have been doing their utmost to help and should be recognized for their efforts
Taipei Times
Date: Sep 15, 2018
By: Stacy Hsu / Staff reporter
Su Chii-cherng (蘇啟誠), director-general of the Osaka branch of the Taipei Economic and
Director-general of the Osaka branch of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Su Chii-cherng, left, and Lin Ching-chen, chief of the Chiayi County Police Department’s Public Order and Civil Defense Division, pose for a photograph in front of the Naha Branch of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in April when the Chiayi County Government sent a delegation to Okinawa. Photo: CNA
Cultural Office, committed suicide early yesterday at his residence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, just one week after his office was accused of indifference to the plight of Taiwanese stranded in the area in the wake of Typhoon Jebi.
The ministry issued a statement expressing its deepest grief and regret over the loss of Su, 61, who assumed leadership of the office in July.
He previously served as director-general of the office’s Naha branch and as deputy secretary-general of what is now called the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association.
“Director Su was a hardworking and responsible diplomat. He had done a remarkable job during his diplomatic career and was always willing to mentor the nation’s younger diplomats,” the ministry said. “We are extremely saddened by his passing.”
The ministry said it would do everything it can to assist Su’s family and urged the public to respect their privacy.
Local media have reported that Su’s suicide was linked to work pressure, presumably caused by an outpouring of criticism due to the office’s perceived lack of assistance for Taiwanese who were affected by Jebi.
The ministry declined to comment on the allegations.
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