Taiwan looks to future with reshuffle of six senior military officials
Changes involving six senior officials will help revitalise island's armed forces and promote next generation of leaders
Taiwan's military will reshuffle its top officials - including six out of seven generals and admirals - in an apparent effort to revitalise its armed forces and promote its next generation of leaders.
The changes, which take effect tomorrow, would see army commander Yen De-fa promoted to chief of the general staff and deputy defence minister Chiu Kuo-cheng appointed head of the army, Taiwanese military spokesman Luo Shao-he said yesterday.
Air force commander General Liu Chen-wu will take over from Chiu as deputy defence minister, while Liu's post will be filled by deputy defence administrative minister Lieutenant General Shen Yi-ming.
The vice-chief of the general staff, Vice-Admiral Li Hsi-ming, will succeed Admiral Chen Yung-kang as navy commander. Shen and Li will also be promoted to general and admiral respectively.
Luo said the military reshuffle - Taiwan's biggest in years - followed the resignation of defence minister Yen Ming, who stepped down to facilitate new promotions and stimulate the revitalisation of the armed forces.
"Minister Yen had previously offered to resign several times, and his resignation was finally accepted by President Ma Ying-jeou on Tuesday," Luo said, adding that Yen, 65, would be succeeded by Admiral Kao Kuang-chi, Chief of the General Staff, who would also be inaugurated in his new post tomorrow.