Wellington Koo tapped for defense minister, Lin Chia-lung for foreign minister

Wellington Koo tapped for defense minister, Lin Chia-lung for foreign minister

2024-04-25

President-elect Lai Ching-te has named his national security lineup. On May 20, the post of defense minister will go to Wellington Koo, who’s currently secretary-general of the National Security Council. He will be replaced at the NSC by current foreign minister Joseph Wu. Another key post, that of foreign minister, will go to Lin Chia-lung, current secretary-general to the president. Lai said the new team comprises outstanding talent that will work together to tackle unprecedented challenges.

President-elect Lai Ching-te and Premier-designate Cho Jung-tai have announced the leaders of Taiwan’s incoming national security team.

Lai Ching-te
President-elect
The world at large is experiencing severe geopolitical shifts, the rise of regional hegemony, the restructuring of global supply chains, and a change in value systems. As such, our national security team will be facing unprecedented challenges. The people I have asked to join our national security team are all outstanding talent, who will work together in areas including national defense, national security, diplomacy and cross-strait affairs.

Taiwan’s next foreign minister will be Presidential Office Secretary-General Lin Chia-lung. Wellington Koo will take over as minister of national defense. The National Security Council will be headed by foreign minister Joseph Wu, while Tsai Ming-yen will remain as National Security Bureau director-general. The Mainland Affairs Council will be led by Chiu Chui-cheng. Former defense minister Yen Teh-fa will take over as Veterans Affairs Council head, Pan Men-an will become Presidential Office secretary-general, and Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan will serve as the head of the Straits Exchange Foundation.

Lai emphasized that the new national security team has three characteristics: professional expertise, good team rapport, and a deep sense of duty to the nation. As China ramps up its pressure on Taiwan, the team will have the important task of safeguarding the country.

All the appointees have experience serving in the Tsai administration. But amid heightened tensions with China, some picks have raised criticism: in particular, the choice of a civilian as defense minister and a non-diplomat as foreign minister.

Lai Ching-te
President-elect
Today’s defense minister is different from the ones in the past, who needed to focus solely on military affairs. Wellington Koo has talent in a wide variety of areas. I think that, at the current stage, he is the best choice to lead the defense ministry.

Wellington Koo
Defense minister-designate
As President-elect Lai just mentioned, it is not uncommon for civilians to assume the office of defense minister in democratic countries. It is a big responsibility, so I will be cautious and prudent.

Lin Chia-lung
Foreign minister-designate
Diplomacy is an extension of domestic affairs. Due to Taiwan’s situation, diplomacy is something closely intertwined with our survival and development. I will approach my role with the utmost caution, and give it my all.

The next national security team has taken shape. On May 20, the new government is set to lead the country steadily forward.

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