Taipei - Taiwan Vice President Vincent Siew was operated on Wednesday to remove a tumor from his lung, coinciding with his first anniversary in office, officials disclosed. "The surgical operation was smooth, and the vice president is expected to remain in the hospital for one or two weeks for recuperation," said presidential office spokesman Wang Yu-chi. He said Siew visited the Veterans General Hospital in April when a checkup revealed the tumor.
Siew did not appear in a news conference hosted by President Ma Ying-jeou for foreign media to mark the first anniversary in office. He showed no sign of illness when he took part in a similar news conference with local news media on Tuesday.
Siew's hospitalisation comes when Ma is about to embark on a nine- day diplomatic tour to visit three Taiwan's Central American allies - Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador - starting May 26.
Asked who would serve as Ma's deputy when the president is in Central America, Wang said Ma will continue to carry out his official duties during his overseas trip.
