The Solomon Islands Ambassador to Taiwan, Laurie Chan, who has been in Taiwan for more than two years, is reported to be without the full backing of his home government.
It has just been revealed that although Mr Chan was formally appointed as Solomon Islands Ambassador to Taiwan, he arrived in Taipei with letters of Credence and Recall that do not bear the letterhead of Government House.
It is Government House that appoints ambassadors and high commissioners to serve Solomon Islands' offices overseas with the concurrence of the ruling government of the day.
A reliable government source says Governor General, Sir Frank Kabui, a lawyer who previously held the positions of Attorney General and a High Court Judge, had refused to use Government House letterhead on Mr Chan's Letters of Credence and Recall because he represents the Queen.
The source says Sir Frank believes it is not proper to use Government House letterhead when Britian does not have diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
