Premier-designate Lin Chuan (林全) yesterday filled out his future Cabinet, including three ministers to handle national defense, foreign affairs and cross-strait relations, in preparation for the handover of power on May 20.
David Lee (李大維), a seasoned diplomat who is currently the representative to Australia, is to take over the foreign affairs portfolio, Lin said.
Lee, 66, holds a doctorate in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia. He has also served as the nation’s representative to the US, Canada and the EU.
Another experienced diplomat, Katharine Chang (張小月), 63, is to head the Mainland Affairs Council, the top government agency in charge of China policy, Lin said.
Chang is the chairperson of the Coordination Council for North American Affairs under the foreign ministry.
The Ministry of National Defense is to be headed by Feng Shih-kuan (馮世寬), a former air force general and former chairman of Aerospace Industrial Development Corp (AIDC, 漢翔航空工業), Lin said.
Feng recently accompanied president-elect Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on a visit to AIDC, during which she said the company would play a very important role in the country’s national defense industry.
AIDC would focus on the research and development of advanced trainer aircraft, Tsai said.
Feng’s appointment underscores Tsai’s determination to push for the nation’s self-reliance in the production of aircraft and warships.
Tsai also named two new members of her incoming administration, Lin Bih-jaw (林碧炤), who is to serve as the Presidential Office secretary-general, and Democratic Progressive Party Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), who is to take up the post of National Security Council secretary-general.
Lin Bih-jaw, 67, has a doctorate in international politics from the University of Wales.
He has served as vice president of National Chengchi University and deputy secretary-general of the Presidential Office and the National Security Council.
Wu, 61, who holds a doctorate in political science from Ohio State University, is a former representative to the US.
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