Premier-designate Lin Chuan (right), and Tung Chen-yuan, Wu Tsung-tsong, Feng Shih-kuan, Chang Hsiao-yeuh, David Lee (left to right)

Taipei, April 15 (CNA) Premier-designate Lin Chuan (林全) on Friday filled out most his incoming Cabinet, announcing the names of the new ministers of foreign affairs, national defense and mainland affairs, among others, in preparation for the changeover of power on May 20.

David Lee (李大維), a seasoned diplomat who is Taiwan's current representative to Australia, will take the helm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin said. Lee, 66, holds a Ph. D in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia and was Taiwan's representative to the United States, Canada and the European Union at different times.

Another experienced diplomat, 63-year-old Chang Hsiao-yueh (張小月), will head the Mainland Affairs Council, the top government agency in charge of China policy, Lin announced.

Chang is the incumbent chairperson of the Coordination Council for North American Affairs under MOFA.

The Ministry of National Defense, meanwhile, will be headed by Feng Shih-kuan (馮世寬), a retired air force general and former chairman of the Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC), Lin said.

Feng recently accompanied President-elect Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on a visit to the AIDC, during which she said the AIDC will play a very important role in the country's national defense industry.

The AIDC's major work will be research and production of advanced trainer aircraft, Tsai said at the time.

Feng's appointment underscores Tsai's determination to push for Taiwan's self-reliance in the production of aircraft and warships.

(By Sophia Yeh and Lilian Wu)
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