Taiwan shuffles national security team

Taiwan's Presidential Office on Friday announced a reshuffle of three Cabinet-level officials, replacing the leaders of the Ministry of National Defense, the National Security Bureau and the Mainland Affairs Council, CNA reports.

Chiu Kuo-cheng, director-general of the National Security Bureau, will take over as Minister of Defense, replacing Yen De-fa, who will be given an advisory role on the National Security Council (NSC), Presidential Office spokesman Xavier Chang, said at a press conference.

Meanwhile, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) head Chen Ming-tong, will succeed Chiu as head of the National Security Bureau, while Chiu Tai-san, a former NSC advisor, will lead the MAC, he said.

According to Chang, the adjustments are intended to help Taiwan respond to a new phase in regional and international politics, including the emergence of a different geopolitical situation in the post-pandemic era.

President Tsai Ing-wen decided on the changes to her national security team after reviewing the situation and consulting with Premier Su Tseng-chang, Chang said.