President-elect Chen Shui-bian's
As a career military officer and a widely respected minister, the analysts said Tang lends credibility not only to the new government's cross-strait and defense policies, but could also help Chen win favor among the KMT-dominated legislature.
"Tang knows the bottom-line in Taiwan's defense capabilities," said military analyst Yang Chih-heng
"He can strike a balance between foreign affairs, defense policy and China policy to minimize damage to cross-strait relations," Yang said.
Born in the Chinese province of Jiangsu in 1932, Tang began his military career as an Air Force fighter pilot in the 1950s.
Later, he moved on to serve as the air attache at the Republic of China Embassy in Washington between 1972 and 1975. He also served as the armed forces attache in South Africa from 1979 to 1982.
"Tang maintains very good relations with Washington. He has a clear understanding of Taiwan's military needs and the military procurement process," Yang said.
Other analysts agree.
Andrew Yang (楊念祖), secretary general of the Chinese Council of Advanced Policy Studies, said Tang provides a "stability card" to increase the public and lawmakers' confidence in the new government.
"With Tang as premier, China would not have an excuse to say Chen's government is covertly pro-independence. It shows Chen has no deliberate intentions of damaging cross-strait relations," Yang said.
The retired general's mainland and military background will also bring the pro-reunification defense establishment under the control of the new government.
"The KMT has controlled the military and intelligence arms of the government for so many years, Chen will need the cooperation of these two units if he is to run the government," Yang said.
"Chen understands the military has some reservation towards him. By making Tang the premier, it shows that Chen is assuring the defense establishment that he is not overlooking their importance," he added.
Yang Chih-heng said Tang's nomination for the premiership will certainly boost morale in the military.
"The last time they had a military man in a top civilian post was former premier Hau Po-tsun
In fact, Hau ran against Lee as a vice-presidential candidate along with former Judicial Yuan president Lin Yang-kang
However, Tang appears unlikely to run into similar problems with Chen.
"Tang is not like Hau Pei-tsun. He is a straight talker and very open-minded, which is one of the reasons why he is so widely respected by lawmakers," Yang Chih-heng added.
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