Taiwan’s newly-appointed China policymaker, Andrew Hsia, has taken office.
Hsia replaced Wang Yu-chi, the Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), who stepped down in early February.
At a ceremony on Tuesday, the veteran diplomat said taking over the MAC is a challenge.
“On the basis of a Taiwan-centered principle, I will continue pushing for cross-strait policies that benefit the people and meet public expectations," said Hsia.
With my experience and expertise in diplomacy and national defense, I, as MAC Minister, will prepare myself fully to face the challenges and inject new momentum into cross-strait ties. “
To further cross-strait ties, Hsia called on China to offer Taiwan “concrete” friendly gestures. He said the Taiwanese people highly value dignity, security and participation in the international community.
Hsia was the Deputy Defense Minister before taking office. He was also the former representative to India and Indonesia.