Taiwan Quick Take: Appointees sworn in

Michael Kau (高英茂) was sworn in as the country's top representative to the EU yesterday, replacing Chen Chien-jen (程建人). Kau, 72, had served as the country's vice minister of foreign affairs since 2002 and was also formerly a consulting member to the National Security Council. His appointment signifies an increased focus on the development of multi-faceted and substantive relations with the EU, in addition to the traditional diplomatic focus on the US and Japan. Francisco Hwang (黃瀧元) was also sworn in as the country's top representative to Spain. Prior to his appointment, Huang also served as vice minister of foreign affairs, who was in charge of the country's diplomatic affairs with the Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. Elizabeth Chu (朱玉鳳) was also sworn in as the new director for the Department of Protocol.