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Lawrence Chung

Taiwan’s new cabinet, under President William Lai Ching-te, was sworn in on Monday, with familiar faces in key roles to ensure continuity with the policies of his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen.
Lai, of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, has vowed throughout his presidential campaign and in subsequent speeches to maintain Tsai’s approach to cross-strait relations and other policies, aiming to avoid provoking Beijing.
Beijing has meanwhile cautioned Lai against making any moves towards independence, warning of the potential for conflict.
Lai last month appointed Cho Jung-tai, 65, a former DPP chairman, as his cabinet chief.
The new cabinet, known as the Executive Yuan, is made up of 34 members – 26 men and just eight women, with an average age of 62.
Key appointments include Cheng Li-chun, 54, a former culture minister, who was selected as Cho’s deputy and whose ties with cultural and civil groups could bolster support for Lai, particularly among young people.
Other notable appointments include Kung Ming-hsin, 60, the cabinet’s new secretary general. Kung succeeds Li Meng-yen, and with his background in macroeconomics, Kung will play a role in coordinating between ministries on Taiwan’s national development policy. He recently proposed a review of the island’s energy policy to tackle the issue of power shortages.
Lin Chia-lung, 60, is the new foreign minister, succeeding Joseph Wu, who is now secretary general of Taiwan’s security council. Lin, who was previously secretary general of Tsai’s presidential office, is well-versed in the former leader’s foreign policy and is expected to align closely with her approach.
Wellington Koo, 65, succeeds Chiu Kuo-cheng as defence minister. As former secretary general of the security council, Koo is familiar with the US arms sales process and has been a primary conduit for Washington’s proposals on arms deals and strategic warfare concepts for the island. A key focus for Koo will be to advance transitional justice initiatives and eradicate authoritarian symbols within the military, particularly those linked to the late Kuomintang leader Chiang Kai-shek.
Chiu Chui-cheng, 58, takes the helm of the policymaking Mainland Affairs Council. Former deputy head of the council, Chiu has a strong background in cross-strait affairs and is regarded as a moderate who advocates for a pragmatic approach to engaging with Beijing.
Liu Shyh-fang, 64, is the new interior minister, succeeding Lin Yu-chang. The cabinet’s former deputy secretary general and DPP lawmaker, Liu brings a wealth of knowledge in civil and human rights issues. She is a long-time vocal critic of Beijing.


Kuo Chih-hui, 71, also known as JW Kuo, a prominent figure in the semiconductor industry, is the economic affairs minister. A newcomer to Taiwan politics, Kuo has been entrusted with continuing Tsai’s strategy of reducing economic reliance on mainland China. Kuo is a co-founder of Topco Scientific, a supplier of electronic components that reportedly maintains business investments on the mainland.
Chuang Tsui-yun, 66, stays on as finance minister. Chuang was deputy finance minister before she took up the top job last year – the third woman to do so. A veteran with the finance ministry, Chuang began her career at the national property bureau in 1987.


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The new cabinet chief Cho Jung-tai (centre, right) and his deputy Cheng Li-chun (centre, left) on their way to the Executive Yuan on Monday. Photo: CNA

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Inauguration ceremony of William Lai at the Presidential Office Building in Taipei. Photo: AFP 

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (left) delivers his inaugural speech alongside Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim after being sworn into office on Monday. Photo: AFP

William Lai takes over from Tsai Ing-wen. Photo: CNA

William Lai during his inauguration ceremony in Taipei. Photo: AP

Former Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen, new President Lai Ching-te and new Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim greet supporters during Monday’s inauguration. Photo: Reuters

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Lai Ching-te, who was sworn in as Taiwanese leader on Monday, delivers his first speech after the inauguration. Photo: Reuters

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China

Politics

Former DPP chairman Cho Jung-tai is chief of the 34-member cabinet, with familiar faces in key roles
Lai has vowed to maintain his predecessor Tsai’s approach to cross-strait relations and other policies


Former DPP chairman Cho Jung-tai is chief of the 34-member cabinet, with familiar faces in key roles.


Taiwan election 2024

Taiwan’s cabinet sworn in as new leader William Lai aims for continuity

Former DPP chairman Cho Jung-tai is chief of the 34-member cabinet, with familiar faces in key roles Lai has vowed to maintain his predecessor Tsai’s approach to cross-strait relations and other policies

Former DPP chairman Cho Jung-tai is chief of the 34-member cabinet, with familiar faces in key roles

Lai has vowed to maintain his predecessor Tsai’s approach to cross-strait relations and other policies