Taiwan denies there were any irregularities pertaining to a visit to that country by north country Congressman Bill Owens.
The denial was reported by the Central News Agency, Taiwans's national news outlet.
According to CNA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it followed the relevant rules for hosting foreign dignitaries who are visiting to strengthen bilateral ties.
The report says some U.S. lawmakers, such as Owens, visit Taiwan at the invitation of private institutions.
Owens and his wife visited Taiwan last December.
Last week, a political investigative website said Owens may have violated House of Representative ethics rules when he took the trip.
ProPublica reported that the trip was organized by lobbyists for the Taiwan government.
Congressional rules prohibit members from taking most trips arranged by lobbyists.
Owens said he was unsure if ethics rules were broken.
"If a mistake was make, it was done unintentionally," Owens said in a telephone interview with 7 News last week.
He also said he's personally paying back money for the trip to put the matter to rest.
Photo: courtesy of CNA
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