Philip Yang, a former senior advisor to the ROC National Security Council, took over May 2 as minister of the Government Information Office.
Yang assumes the role following the exit of former Minister Johnny Chi-chen Chiang, who resigned to prepare for next January’s legislative elections. Chiang will contest Taichung City for the ruling Kuomintang.
“The priorities of the GIO continue to include the overseas promotion of Taiwan and its cultural and creative diversity, raising Taiwan’s international profile,” Yang said at the handover ceremony.
“At the same time, I hope to facilitate better communication between the public and the government, by clarifying our policies to the man in the street,” he added.
Yang also called on Taiwanese media to focus on international news, investigative reports and positive local stories of human interest. “While coverage of foreign events is essential for informed citizens, positive local news stories help build community ties,” he said.
The newly appointed minister is a former professor at National Taiwan University’s Department of Political Science, with expertise in international law and Asia-Pacific security. (THN)
Write to Kwangyin Liu at kwangyin.liu@mail.gio.gov.tw