In a move aimed at reorganizing state-run China Airlines (CAL, 中 華航空), Minister of Transportation and Communications Yeh Chu-lan (葉菊蘭) announced yesterday the formation of a new board for the China Aviation Development Foundation (CADF, 中華航空事業發展基金會), which holds a 71 percent stake in CAL and is the main policy-making force behind the carrier.
Yeh also suggested National Chiao-tung University President, Chang Chun-yen (張俊彥) be named president of the group, replacing former Premier Hsu Li-teh (徐立德).
Chang has a long record of public service, including recent work as a member of the National Policy Advisory Committee (
Relatives in Chang's family were killed in the 228 Incident, and because of his family's political leanings, Chang had virtually no chance of studying abroad during the White Terror period. Chang received a PhD from National Chiao-tung University in 1970.
Chang is currently attending a seminar in San Jose, California, and was unavailable for comment.
An anonymous observer said the new CADF board members exclude all the former KMT members who previously held board positions. In addition, the source said CAL's competitor, EVA Air (長榮航空), has been blocked from gaining a board seat.
There had been speculation recently that EVA had sought to take control of CAL through the board, using its influence with President Chen.
EVA is widely rumored to have strong ties with the president, as its founder, Chang Yung-fa (
Both Yeh and Premier Tang Fei (
Other new board members include lawyer Chang Cheng-hsiung (
Yeh said Huang was invited to be CAL's representative in CADF as a fulfillment of the administration's promise to bring more democracy to the domestic airline industry.
CAL employee representatives have sought recently to capitalize on the timing of the board reshuffle to gain representation and have their voices heard.
"We hope that company employees can be represented both on the board of the foundation as well as in the company itself at the June election," said Lee Chao-ping (李昭平), chairman of the China Airlines Union (華航產業工會), at a hearing last Friday.
The youngest CADF board member, Huang is said to be a member of CAL's "Taiwan faction," known for its pro-DPP leanings.
The majority of CAL staff are strong supporters of the New Party and the recently formed People First Party.
"Current chairman Chiang Hung-yi (蔣洪彝) and president Sandy Liu (劉克涯) will be replaced in the near future to totally reform CAL's industry culture and management," MOTC officials said.
MOTC officials said the CADF should be reorganized by June 30 and the group will nominate 10 out of CAL's 11 board members soon after.
SECURITY: As China is ‘reshaping’ Hong Kong’s population, Taiwan must raise the eligibility threshold for applications from Hong Kongers, Chiu Chui-cheng said When Hong Kong and Macau citizens apply for residency in Taiwan, it would be under a new category that includes a “national security observation period,” Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said yesterday. President William Lai (賴清德) on March 13 announced 17 strategies to counter China’s aggression toward Taiwan, including incorporating national security considerations into the review process for residency applications from Hong Kong and Macau citizens. The situation in Hong Kong is constantly changing, Chiu said to media yesterday on the sidelines of the Taipei Technology Run hosted by the Taipei Neihu Technology Park Development Association. With
CARROT AND STICK: While unrelenting in its military threats, China attracted nearly 40,000 Taiwanese to over 400 business events last year Nearly 40,000 Taiwanese last year joined industry events in China, such as conferences and trade fairs, supported by the Chinese government, a study showed yesterday, as Beijing ramps up a charm offensive toward Taipei alongside military pressure. China has long taken a carrot-and-stick approach to Taiwan, threatening it with the prospect of military action while reaching out to those it believes are amenable to Beijing’s point of view. Taiwanese security officials are wary of what they see as Beijing’s influence campaigns to sway public opinion after Taipei and Beijing gradually resumed travel links halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the scale of
A US Marine Corps regiment equipped with Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) is set to participate in the upcoming Balikatan 25 exercise in the Luzon Strait, marking the system’s first-ever deployment in the Philippines. US and Philippine officials have separately confirmed that the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) — the mobile launch platform for the Naval Strike Missile — would take part in the joint exercise. The missiles are being deployed to “a strategic first island chain chokepoint” in the waters between Taiwan proper and the Philippines, US-based Naval News reported. “The Luzon Strait and Bashi Channel represent a critical access
Pope Francis is be laid to rest on Saturday after lying in state for three days in St Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful are expected to flock to pay their respects to history’s first Latin American pontiff. The cardinals met yesterday in the Vatican’s synod hall to chart the next steps before a conclave begins to choose Francis’ successor, as condolences poured in from around the world. According to current norms, the conclave must begin between May 5 and 10. The cardinals set the funeral for Saturday at 10am in St Peter’s Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College
RSS