The ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nov. 11 that it has lodged a strong protest against the detention of a Taiwanese diplomat by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, calling for her immediate and unconditional release.
Foreign Minister Timothy Chin-tien Yang said at a news conference that the arrest and detention of Jacqueline Liu, director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Kansas City, violates the Agreement on Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities, which was signed between the ROC and the U.S. in October 1980, shortly after Washington severed formal diplomatic ties with the ROC.
Yang contended that Liu still enjoyed immunity privileges under the pact and that U.S. law enforcement authorities should have resorted to diplomatic channels first, even if they have a reasonable case against her.
Liu, 64, was arrested Nov. 10 (U.S. time) by the FBI on fraud charges in connection with a foreign labor contract.
Liu, who was scheduled to return to Taiwan later this month after serving three years in her position, has remained in custody pending a federal detention hearing scheduled for Nov. 16 in Kansas City.
According to a MOFA press release, the government has protested strongly against Liu’s arrest and is negotiating with the U.S. government for her release through various administrative, diplomatic and legal channels.
The U.S. State Department claims that Liu enjoys diplomatic immunity only for actions performed within the scope of her authorized functions. (HZW)
Write to Rachel Chan at rachelchan@mail.gio.gov.tw