Defense minister Yen Ming has resigned. Chief of General Staff Admiral Kao Kuang-chi is going to take his place.
President Ma Ying-jeou announced the news on Tuesday and said Yen was resigning for reasons related to personal career plans. Ma said he tried to persuade Yen to stay on several times but Yen said the ministry needed new blood. So Ma finally agreed to his request. Yen will become a national adviser.
Ma announced that Chief of General Staff Admiral Kao Kuang-chi will be the new defense minister. Ma said Kao has held many key positions in the defense ministry and is confident he will continue to lead the ministry in defensing the nation.
Kao had previously served as deputy minister of defense, and his post will be filled by Army Commander General Yen Teh-fa.