TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s president-elect has appointed new foreign and defense ministers to join his incoming administration as the island faces continuing military threats and diplomatic isolation from China.
Lai Ching-te, who assumes the presidency on May 20, announced Thursday that current Presidential Secretary General Lin Chia-lung will take over as foreign minister.
He said Wellington Koo will head the Defense Ministry at a time when Taiwan is upgrading its defenses against China with new ships, submarines, warplanes, missile systems and other land-based defenses.
Along with stepping up its threat to annex Taiwan by force, China has whittled down the number of Taiwan’s formal diplomatic allies to just 12, while excluding it from the United Nations and most other international organizations.
Koo, a lawyer, has headed the National Security Council under current President Tsai Ing-wen, who is leaving office as mandated after two four-year terms. He will be replaced in the high-profile role by current Foreign Minister Joseph Wu.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
DPP manipulates tourism for political purposes, harms cross
Xi congratulates Nangolo Mbumba on assuming Namibia's presidency
Softer economic data call for quick, decisive action
London's Cavalry chaos: Moment
Effective diplomacy in black and white
Xi Replies to Letter from Iowa's Muscatine High School Students
China continues to provide better travel services for foreign visitors: FM
A US citizen facing drug charges in Russia appears in court. His case was adjourned until mid
China urges U.S. to cease sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces
Ford's 1Q net income falls 24% as combustion engine unit sees sales and revenue decline
Xi Focus: Xi's Thought on Ecological Civilization Guides Xiamen's Green Shift