TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President-elect Lai Ching-te announced key appointments to his national security team on Thursday (April 25). Chiu Chui-cheng, the current deputy chairman and secretary-general of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), is set to become the head of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC). Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan will take over as chairman of the SEF.
Lai emphasized his anticipation for China to confidently engage with Taiwan's democratically elected government, which he sees as the proper path for cross-strait exchanges.
Chiu's performance as deputy chairman of the SEF, where he focused on cross-strait economic and trade development, has been widely recognized, Lai said. He described Chiu as rational, pragmatic, and responsible, and expressed confidence in his ability to steadily advance cross-strait relations as head of the MAC.
Cheng, currently coordinating interdepartmental work as vice premier, is the planned appointee for chairman of the SEF. Lai thanked Cheng for his contributions to national affairs and expressed hope that Cheng's coordination skills and past experience would help guide cross-strait relations in a positive direction amid the current unique circumstances.
Cheng stated that the foundation and operation of the SEF are based on the Constitution of the Republic of China and its Additional Articles, as well as the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. He pledged to uphold these principles and accept the MAC's commission to handle various exchange matters.