TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President-elect Lai Ching-te announced on Thursday (April 25) the appointment of key figures in Taiwan's approach to cross-strait relations, signaling a cautious yet hopeful stance towards Beijing. Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) has been named the head of the Mainland Affairs Council, and Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦) will lead the Straits Exchange Foundation. These appointments, effective from May 20, are seen as an extension of goodwill, aiming to maintain the status quo while fostering stability between Taiwan and China.
A Strategic Move for Stability
Meanwhile, Cheng Wen-tsan's background in establishing a cross-strait affairs group in Taoyuan City equips him to support Taiwanese businesspeople and their families in China, as well as Chinese spouses and students in Taiwan.
Economic Interdependence and Future Prospects
The appointments reflect a broader desire for stability in cross-strait relations, according to National Taiwan Normal University Professor Huang Hsin-hao (黃信豪). However, the true impact of these strategic moves will largely depend on the content of Lai's inaugural speech on May 20. Hsu Shu-po, head of the General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China, emphasized the appointees' deep understanding of the industry sector.
This knowledge is crucial for managing the economic interdependence between Taiwan and China, highlighting the importance of maintaining a stable relationship for the benefit of Taiwanese-owned factories across the strait.
As Taiwan prepares for the inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te, the appointments of Chiu Chui-cheng and Cheng Wen-tsan serve as a testament to Taiwan's commitment to a stable and prosperous future in its relations with China. The world will be watching closely on May 20, as Lai's inaugural speech may set the tone for cross-strait relations in the years to come.