Shen Lyu-shun


Shen Lyu-shun is a Taiwanese diplomat. He served as the representative of the Republic of China to the United States from 2014 to 2016.

Early life

Born in 1949 in Taipei, Taiwan, Shen is a sixth generation descendant of famous Qing dynasty official Shen Baozhen. He obtained his bachelor's degree in law from National Chung Hsing University in 1972. He then continued his study in international relations at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States where he obtained his master's degree in 1979 and doctoral degree in 1981.

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.

35th anniversary of Taiwan Relations Act

Speaking at United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., United States on 7 May 2014, Shen lauded Taiwan's ability in playing greater role in the U.S. 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 U.S. and Mainland China. Shen made the address during an event organized by Atlantic Council which was partly done to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act.

Donation to fight Ebola

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 U.S.

ROC flag-raising at Twin Oaks

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 U.S. was not told in advance that it would occur. The People's Republic of China lodged a protest with the U.S. 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 U.S. 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.