to expand investment in developing nations, bilateral economic agreements, and promoting Taiwan Academy language and cultural initiatives in the UK. Representative to the United States Shen was named the ROC representative to the United States in March 2014, and made his first official trip there on 1 April. Speaking at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. on 7 May 2014, Shen lauded Taiwan's ability in playing a greater role in the American pivot to Asia and helping maintain regional peace for the benefit for all. He added that closer Taiwan–United States relations and improved cross-strait relations would create a win-win outcome for Taiwan, the United States, and Mainland China. Shen made the address during an event organised by the Atlantic Council as part of the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. On 4 December 2014, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of China, Shen donated US$1 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation to fight Ebola virus disease in West Africa. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan also donated medical protective gear, coveralls and surgical masks through a cooperation program with the United States. On 1 January 2015, the flag of the Republic of China was raised at Twin Oaks in Washington, D.C. reportedly for the first time since the end of diplomatic relations in 1979. Shen attended the ceremony, and later stated that the United States was not told in advance that it would occur. The People's Republic of China lodged a protest with the United States over the incident, but Shen defended the flag-raising as having occurred due to "precedent," as the flag was raised during Double Ten Day celebrations in 2014. It was later reported that American government officials asked President Ma Ying-jeou to replace Shen. Shen submitted his resignation to Ma on 15 April 2016, but it was not approved until 26 May, after Tsai Ing-wen had taken office. Shen died in New Taipei, Taiwan, on 6 January 2023, at age 73. References External links 1949 births 2023 deaths National Chung Hsing University alumni Politicians of the Republic of China on Taiwan from Taipei Recipients of the Order of Brilliant Star Representatives of Taiwan to Belgium Representatives of Taiwan to the European Union Representatives of Taiwan to the United Kingdom Representatives of Taiwan to the United States University of Pennsylvania alumni