Taipei, Taiwan - A state-funded English-language TV network in Taiwan removed a video of one of its journalists accurately calling US President-elect Donald Trump a "convicted felon", after the Taipei government said the incident was "very serious."

Taiwan has publicly congratulated Trump on his victory, joining other governments around the world in trying to ingratiate themselves with the next US administration.

Washington has long been Taipei's most important supporter, but Trump raised concerns on the campaign trail by suggesting Taiwan should pay the US for its defense and expressing resentment over its semiconductor industry.

TaiwanPlus correspondent Louise Watt was speaking on camera last week when she said "the US is either going to vote in its first female president or its first convicted felon."

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"Well, America looks like it's chosen the felon," Watt said, in a clip shared by Taiwanese broadcaster TVBS and seen by AFP.

Taiwan Culture Minister Li Yuan told local media on Saturday that TaiwanPlus took down the video after he told the broadcaster "that this issue is very serious".

Public Television Service Foundation, which manages TaiwanPlus, said Monday the broadcaster had "humbly reviewed its operational procedures" following the report.

The foundation said it will convene a "self-discipline" committee this week to "discuss the matter".

TaiwanPlus broadcasts videos on its website, YouTube, and cable television.

More than 90% of its viewers are overseas, the foundation said.

In 2023, TaiwanPlus began showing in US hotels in "key cities frequented by political and economic elites, such as Washington DC, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle", the foundation said.