TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Presidential Office announced on Tuesday (Aug. 6) that Frank Hsieh (謝長廷), the nation's top envoy to Japan, will step down after eight years of service. The office also confirmed the appointment of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民主進步黨) Deputy Secretary-General Yang Yi-shan (楊懿珊) as the deputy representative to the United States.
Yang, considered a pivotal aide to Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), served as deputy secretary-general under DPP Chairman Lai Ching-te (賴清德). During her tenure, she acted as interim secretary-general for five months, earning significant trust within the party.
Hsieh, who has served as Taiwan's envoy to Japan since former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) took office in 2016, hinted at his departure earlier by sharing footage of himself packing on Facebook.
Although rumors suggest that former Examination Yuan (考試院) Vice President Lee Yi-yang (李逸洋) might succeed Hsieh, the announcement did not address his potential appointment.