Pope welcomes new ambassador from Taiwan
January 25, 2016
Pope Francis received Matthew S.M. Lee, the new ambassador of the Republic of China, as he presented his credentials on January 23.
Only 21 other states maintain full diplomatic relations with the Republic of China, the democratic state more commonly known as Taiwan.
The People’s Republic of China, whose capital is Beijing, has demanded that the Holy See sever full diplomatic ties with Taiwan as a condition for diplomatic relations. The United States did so in 1979, when it closed its embassy in Taipei and opened an embassy in Beijing.
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Further information:
- Le Lettere Credenziali dell’Ambasciatore della Repubblica di Cina presso la Santa Sede, 23.01.2016 (Holy See Press Office)
- Pope welcomes new Taiwanese ambassador (Vatican Radio)
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