U.S. picks Asia hand as new de facto envoy to Taiwan

TAIPEI -- The U.S. has appointed an experienced Asia hand as its de facto ambassador to Taiwan, as the two foster growing trade and unofficial relations amid rising tensions with China.

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei, announced on Wednesday that Raymond Greene will take over as the top envoy this summer. Greene, currently Washington's No. 2 diplomat in Japan, previously held a deputy role at the AIT. He will succeed Sandra Oudkirk.