Chiu Chui-cheng Appointed as Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council Head, Signaling Cautious Approach to China Relations

Taiwan's President-elect Lai Ching-te has appointed Chiu Chui-cheng as the new head of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), signaling a cautious approach to cross-strait relations with China. The appointment, effective from May 20, 2024, is part of Lai's new national security and diplomacy team that he says is facing "unprecedented challenges" due to the rise of authoritarianism and China's increased pressure on Taiwan.

Chiu, a former deputy on the council with years of China policy experience, is known for maintaining a firm position on cross-strait issues, especially regarding Taiwan's sovereignty and interests. He has criticized China's "one-China principle" and "one China, two interpretations" policy, arguing that accepting the "1992 consensus" would imply agreement with China's claim over Taiwan.

Analysts say Chiu's appointment, along with Cheng Wen-tsan leading the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), is seen as an expression of goodwill aimed at maintaining the status quo and fostering stability between Taiwan and China. The appointments are viewed as a strategic move to manage the complex Taiwan-China dynamic.

Why this matters: Chiu's appointment comes at a critical juncture in cross-strait relations, as China continues to intensify military and political pressure against Taiwan. The new administration's approach to managing ties with Beijing will have significant implications for regional stability and security.

Lai has repeatedly offered to talk with China but has been rebuffed. He urged China to have the confidence to engage with the elected and legitimate government that the Taiwanese people have entrusted. "Beijing would not get support from the Taiwan public if they are only willing to engage with the opposition party, the Kuomintang, which has made frequent visits to China in recent months," Lai said.

Other key appointments include Wellington Koo as the new defense minister, tasked with discouraging any Chinese adventurism over Taiwan and bolstering the island's combat capabilities, and Joseph Wu as the head of the National Security Council.

As Lai prepares to take office, the focus will be on his inaugural speech on May 20, when Beijing will closely watch his position on cross-strait relations. While the appointments suggest there will not be significant changes to the direction of ties with China, Lai's administration faces the challenge of navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape and safeguarding Taiwan's interests in the face of growing pressure from Beijing.

Key Takeaways

• Lai Ching-te appoints Chiu Chui-cheng as new head of Mainland Affairs Council, signaling cautious China policy.
• Chiu is known for firm stance on Taiwan's sovereignty, criticizing China's "one-China" principle and "1992 consensus".
• Appointments of Chiu and Cheng Wen-tsan seen as efforts to maintain cross-strait status quo and stability.
• Lai urges China to engage with Taiwan's elected government, not just opposition party Kuomintang.
• Lai's administration faces challenge of navigating complex geopolitics and safeguarding Taiwan's interests amid China's pressure.