Taipei: Taiwan's representative to Hungary, Liu Shih-chung, has been named the country's next envoy to Vietnam, according to a presidential order announced on Monday. Liu will succeed Richard Shih, who has held the position since January 2016. The order did not specify Shih's next assignment. According to Focus Taiwan, Liu began his tenure in Budapest in September 2020. Prior to his appointment in Hungary, Liu served as the vice chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). His career also includes roles in the government-affiliated Prospect Foundation and the Taiwan Asia Exchange Foundation think tanks. Liu's extensive experience in foreign policy is highlighted by his work as an advisor to Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council and the Strait Exchange Foundation. A Columbia University graduate in Political Science, Liu was a senior foreign policy adviser to former President Chen Shui-bian from 2000 to 2006. He later joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving as the vice chairman of the Research and Planning Committee from 2006 to 2008. Liu's appointment signifies a strategic move for Taiwan in strengthening its diplomatic relations with Vietnam, continuing Taiwan's efforts to foster international partnerships amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.