Focus Taiwan
Date: 2019/12/24
By: Stacy Hsu, Matthew Mazzetta and Emerson Lim

Washington, Dec. 23 (CNA) A bill being proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives would require directors of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) to receive confirmation in the Senate and be given the rank and status of an ambassador-at-large.

The "Taiwan Envoy Act," which is being sponsored by Ohio Republican Steve Chabot and California Democrat Brad Sherman, cites the position's ambassador-level importance by noting that "an extended period without a director…would be detrimental to United States interests."

While U.S. ambassadors are confirmed by a majority vote in the Senate, the AIT director is appointed, without Congressional approval, by the Secretary of State, given the institute's unofficial status.

The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), a U.S.-based group that advocates for Taiwan independence, issued a statement on Monday praising the legislation.    [FULL  STORY]