TAIPEI - Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang was sworn in with a new cabinet on Wednesday, pledging to uphold President Chen Shui-bian's latest policy statement which signalled a tougher stance on China.
Su, 59, vowed to form a clean government, aiming to recoup public support for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) after a crushing election defeat and corruption probe damaged its image last year.
"We especially hope that upon a fine base left by Premier Hsieh and his predecessors and colleagues, we can be able to accomplish the president's many previously expressed courses of action and wishes, in particular his most recent statement on New Year's day," Su said.
In his New Year speech, Chen warned that Taiwan should not be too economically dependent on China, which has threatened to use force against the island it considers its own if it pushes for formal independence.
Chen also said the government would more closely monitor trade and economic ties with the mainland.
China and Taiwan have been diplomatic and military rivals since their split at the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949, but trade, investment and tourism have flourished since the 1980s.
Su gave no policy specifics at the handover ceremony and analysts do not expect major changes since, under Taiwan's political system, the premier is appointed by the president, who sets China and foreign policy.
The president tapped the popular Su, his fifth premier in as many years, to take over from Frank Hsieh, with whom Chen has appeared to be at odds over policy towards China.
When Hsieh stepped down on Monday, he said the government was not in sync with the wishes of the people. China is Taiwan's biggest investment and export destination, and opinion polls show most people are in favour of closer ties like direct air links.
Analysts say Chen's decision to appoint Su, former DPP chairman, is aimed at bolstering his own popularity, which fell to an all-time low following the DPP's defeat in local elections in December.
The loss was widely attributed to the government's poor administration record during Chen's nearly six years in office and a corruption scandal involving a former presidential aide.
Battling criticism that he has become a lame duck, Chen has also consolidated his control of the government and his party ahead of the 2008 presidential race.
One of Chen's close aides, James Huang, was made foreign minister while another ally, Yu Shyi-kun, becomes DPP chairman. (US$=T$32.0)
Feeds