Taipei Mayor Got a Pocket Watch as Gift

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(1) 柯文哲風波 英法媒體：雙方都失態. 中央社, Jan 27, 2015
www.cna.com.tw/news/firstnews/201501270102-1.aspx
("英國交通部部長克雷默拜會台北市長柯文哲，贈送 [上議院] 懷錶為見面禮 * * * 媒體後來問柯文哲，是否忌諱送鐘錶與「送終」諧音。柯文哲表示：「沒關係，我再轉送給別人，不然就拿去當破銅爛鐵可以賣一些錢。」")

Note: The full text of Baroness Kramer's apology, which explains House of Lords:

“I’m sorry. We learn something new each day. I had no idea a gift like this could be seen as anything other than positive: In the UK a watch is precious - because nothing is more important than time.

"The gift came from the House of Lords – which is only accessible to members of the UK’s upper parliament. It is a very unique item.

"It was a huge honour to meet Mayor Ko. We look forward to working with him and his team in Taipei.”

(2) 林冠妙, 外賓送「鐘」 柯文哲：我是醫生不怕，我住四樓. 民報, Jan 26, 2015.
www.peoplenews.tw/news/f455ed6f-1bb2-4656-a029-3656e3a4169a

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In chronological order. There is no need to read either report.

(1) UK Minister Apologises for Taiwan Watch Gaffe. BBC, Jan 26, 2015.
www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30994307
("Transport Minister Baroness [Susan] Kramer")

(2) The Perils of 'Taboo' Gifts. BBC Magazine Monitor; A collection of cultural artefacts, Jan 27, 2015
www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-31004333
("William Hanson, an etiquette expert, says that most diplomatic gifts are agreed between both parties in advance - and regardless, 'research should be done'")