TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Brent Christensen has joined Washington, D.C.-based think tank Global Taiwan Institute’s (GTI) advisory board, making him the third former AIT director to do so.
GTI Executive Director Russell Hsiao (蕭良其) said on X that Christensen's “lifelong passion for Taiwan and dedication to the practice of U.S. foreign policy...will help further the unique role that GTI plays in advancing the vital US-Taiwan partnership.”
Christensen has served in Taiwan three times during his time in the U.S. Department of State. He first worked as a consular officer from 1989 to 1991, then was AIT deputy director from 2012 to 2015, and most recently was appointed AIT director from 2018 to 2021, CNA reported. During his tenure as director, then-U.S. Health Secretary Alex Azar and Undersecretary of State Keith Krach visited Taiwan, becoming the highest-level cabinet and state department officials to visit the nation since the two countries severed diplomatic ties in 1979.
GTI advisory board members include Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation Chairman Michael Hsiao (蕭新煌), Former China Country Desk Officer in the Office of the Secretary of Defense Joseph Bosco, and Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Lieutenant General Wallace Gregson.
The GTI conducts policy research to “enhance the relationship between Taiwan and other countries,” according to its website.