Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's former envoy to the United States and self-described "cat warrior", was named Monday as the running mate to presidential frontrunner Lai Ching-te for the island's January elections. Hsiao, 52, has been Taipei's de facto ambassador to the United States since 2020, and is widely regarded in Washington as a well-connected and savvy diplomat. She is also seen by China as an "independence diehard", and Beijing has sanctioned her twice. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES