Career diplomat assumes office as Taiwan's new envoy to U.S.

Washington, Dec. 11 (CNA) Taiwan diplomat Alexander Yui (俞大㵢) arrived in Washington D.C. on Monday to assume his new role as the country's representative to the United States.

Yui, formerly Taiwan's representative to the European Union and Belgium, is taking up the position left vacant by Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), who resigned on Nov. 20 to participate in the Jan. 13 presidential election as the running mate of Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), the Democratic Progressive Party's presidential candidate.

Greeting Yui at the airport were American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Managing Director Ingrid Larson and dozens of Taiwanese Americans.

Yui said to reporters at the airport that he will focus on building up Taiwan's self-defense capabilities, continuing to push the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade forward, and increasing Taiwan's participation in the international community.

With just over a month remaining until the Jan. 13 presidential and legislative elections in Taiwan, Yui said he will also discuss with the U.S. how to prevent China from interfering with the polls.

Asked whether he felt pressure at taking over from Hsiao, Yui said her record in her former role spoke for itself and that he would build on that legacy to further deepen bilateral ties.

Meanwhile, AIT Chair Laura Rosenberger welcomed Yui to Washington D.C. in a social media post.

"Representative Yui is a friend we know well, and with his significant experience, we are confident our partnership will continue to grow and strengthen!" Rosenberger wrote.