In his most recent book, The Premier Voyage of the Century the president said that he favors appointing a civilian to head the ministry. Moreover, two recently passed defense reform laws stipulate that the minister of national defense must be a civilian.
Civilians thought to be in line for the post include National Security Council secretary-general Antonio Chiang (
However, given the fact that a general only needs to retire to instantly become eligible for the position, other speculate that Chen will name a former military man to head the ministry.
Military men thought to be front runners include the current Chief of the General Staff General Tang Yao-ming (湯曜明) and air force chief General Chen Chao-ming (陳肇敏).
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