Taipei: Rumors that Taiwan's deputy trade representative Yen Huai-shing was a victim of workplace bullying before her death at age 53 this month are being investigated, Yen's former boss, trade representative Yang Jen-ni, said Tuesday. According to Focus Taiwan, Yang addressed the claims following an appearance at the Legislature. She referenced remarks by Premier Cho Jung-tai earlier that day, stating, "we will wait for the results of the investigation." When asked about her feelings regarding Yen's demise, Yang expressed that Yen was "the most important person in our office, and we're all very sad." She added that during Yen's life, they always maintained very good interactions. Premier Cho announced on Tuesday that a third-party investigator had been appointed to delve into the workplace bullying allegations and is expected to submit a comprehensive report within two months. The news of Yen Huai-shing's death from an unspecified illness on March 12 was disclosed to the public on March 24, after her funer al, respecting her family's wishes. Yen, the daughter of former Finance Minister Yen Ching-chang, previously directed the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research's (CIER) Taiwan WTO and RTA Center before taking on the role of deputy head of the Executive Yuan's Office of Trade Negotiations in 2024. Her position placed her at the heart of trade discussions between Taiwan and the United States, until she went on leave for "health reasons" in September 2025 and ultimately resigned at the beginning of March. Following her death, rumors emerged online suggesting that Yen was subjected to workplace bullying and was "excluded" by her colleagues at the trade office. The United Daily News recently published what it claimed to be Yen's resignation letter, in which she allegedly mentioned that her recommendations on trade policy had been ignored or "harshly refuted." In addition, Premier Cho's initiative to posthumously honor Yen with a meritorious service medal was reportedly declined by her family. In response to the alleged refusal, Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee stated last week that the government would act "according to procedures, and continue to seek the family's understanding."