Taiwan names new head of China relations

Taiwan’s incoming premier says a former ally of the outgoing government will take on the key post of implementing policy towards China.

Premier-designate Liu Chao-shiuan says Lai Shin-yuan will be chairwoman of the Mainland Affairs Council, the Cabinet-level body responsible for relations with Beijing.

Today’s move is widely seen as effort to build consensus on the contentious issue of relations with China.

Ms Lai is a former lawmaker with the Taiwan Solidarity Union, an ally of outgoing President Chen Shui-bian’s pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party.

DPP presidential candidate Frank Hsieh was soundly defeated in March 22 elections by Ma Ying-jeou of the Nationalists.

Mr Ma and his Cabinet take office on May 20.