HOUSTON _ In a friendly gesture, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott presented Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen a clock with the Texas seal when they met in Houston on Sunday.
Only in Chinese culture, the phrase "giving a clock" is like saying "it's your funeral," or "your time's running out."
"The governor's choice of a clock was untimely," the Taiwan News reported wryly.
"Fortunately, Tsai did not seem to be fazed by the culturally inappropriate gift as it was surely well intentioned."
Tsai gave Abbott a Taiwanese vase.
The meeting in Houston was controversial to begin with, as the Chinese government discourages U.S. encounters with Taiwanese leaders. China claims Taiwan, a democracy, as its territory.
Tsai also met with U.S. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, who suggested that the United States' "One China" policy was not "sacrosanct," according to The Texas Tribune.
Abbott's office said the governor and Tsai discussed energy, trade and other economic interests, "particularly in the exchange of natural gas and agricultural products."
"I look forward to strengthening Texas' bond with Taiwan and continuing my dialogue with President Tsai to create even more opportunity and a better future for our citizens," Abbott, a Republican, said in a statement.
