Yang Teh-chih caught in the middle

Wu Tung-yeh (吳東野), a political scientist at National Chengchi University, expressed his support for putting civilians in control.

"The DPP-led government should realize that it's the global trend to have civilians instead of soldiers lead a nation's armed forces. It may take some time to reach that goal, but it's the way to go," he said.

According to a senior defense reporter who requested anonymity, Yang's health was once a concern, but that is no longer the case.

"He is in perfect shape and still enjoys hiking and mountain climbing," he said.

Yang was hospitalized last November after receiving improper medication from a Chinese-medicine doctor for shoulder pain. The medication reportedly contained steroids.