Kaohsiung: The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) has announced the appointment of Lee Skluzak as the new chief of its Kaohsiung branch office, effective this Thursday. This decision was made public on Wednesday, marking a significant leadership change at the branch.

According to Focus Taiwan, Skluzak has an extensive background with the U.S. Department of State, having joined in 2011. His previous roles include serving as the internal political chief at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. Skluzak's experience spans several international postings, including stints at the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu, and the U.S. Embassy in The Hague.

In a related announcement, the AIT revealed on Monday that Harry R. Thompson would assume the position of deputy chief at its Kaohsiung branch office. Thompson is set to manage economic and consular affairs in his new role. His prior experience includes a position in the Political Section of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, where he led initiatives on law enforcement and counternarcotics. Thompson's career has also seen him stationed at the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai, the U.S. Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste, and the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi.

The AIT serves as the de facto embassy representing U.S. interests in Taiwan in the absence of official diplomatic relations. Its main office is located in Taipei, with the Taipei office director acting as the principal U.S. representative in Taiwan. Headquartered in Virginia, the AIT also maintains the Kaohsiung branch office, further solidifying its presence in the region.