Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Lin Yu-fang (
"The position of minister of national defense does not necessarily have to be filled by a military official," Lin said. "Look at the US: many of the important military positions are occupied by non-military officials."
Lin made the remarks when asked to comment on a potential reshuffle of military and intelligence personnel, which could also affect Minister of National Defense Lee Jye (
Lee was formerly chief of the general staff before he assumed his post as minister.
As of press time yesterday, the ministry had not made any comments about the potential reshuffle.
Lin, however, said he would not be surprised if Lee stepped down.
"Lee has devoted much of his energy to attempting to persuade the legislature to approve the arms procurement proposal. In the meantime, the discipline of the military has gone from bad to worse and we have not seen any effort [on Lee's part] to address the issue," Lin said.
In addition to supporting the axing of Lee, Lin suggested that the ministry reshuffle all its high-ranking military officers.
"We need fresh ideas for the military," he said.
National Security Bureau (NSB) Director Hsueh Shih-min (薛石民) and Chief of the General Staff Lee Tien-yu (李天羽) are the two most likely candidates to replace Lee should the president opt for a reshuffle.
A tropical depression in waters east of the Philippines could develop into a tropical storm as soon as today and bring rainfall as it approaches, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said yesterday, while issuing heat warnings for 14 cities and counties. Weather model simulations show that there are still considerable differences in the path that the tropical depression is projected to take. It might pass through the Bashi Channel to the South China Sea or turn northeast and move toward the sea south of Japan, CWA forecaster Yeh Chih-chun (葉致均) said, adding that the uncertainty of its movement is still high,
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THE TOUR: Pope Francis has gone on a 12-day visit to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore. He was also invited to Taiwan The government yesterday welcomed Pope Francis to the Asia-Pacific region and said it would continue extending an invitation for him to visit Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the remarks as Pope Francis began a 12-day tour of the Asia-Pacific on Monday. He is to travel about 33,000km by air to visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore, and would arrive back in Rome on Friday next week. It would be the longest and most challenging trip of Francis’ 11-year papacy. The 87-year-old has had health issues over the past few years and now uses a wheelchair. The ministry said
Discounted 72-hour Taipei Metro passes are to be offered to China Airlines passengers until Feb. 28 next year, the airline announced today. China Airlines passengers may present their boarding pass for a discount of up to 34 percent when buying a Taipei Metro 72-hour unlimited travel pass. The offer is available to international travelers on international flights bound for Taipei. Within seven days of arrival, travelers can present their boarding pass, passport and proof of flight payment at an EZfly counter in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport or Taoyuan MRT Taipei Main Station to obtain the discounted passes, the airline said. One 72-hour pass
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