Taiwan's new mainland affairs chief breathes new life into cross-Strait relations

Taiwan's new mainland affairs chief Andrew Hsia on Tuesday vowed to inject new energy into cross-Strait relations and create a new future for both sides across the Taiwan Strait.

At a succession ceremony with the outgoing Wang Yu-chi, Hsia lauded the achievements and breakthroughs in cross-Strait relations during his predecessor's time in office, citing a series of high-level talks between Wang and Zhang Zhijun, head of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.

Hsia said his new post was a historic mission and challenge after over 30 years in public work.

He said the authorities will continue sound cross-Strait interactions as cross-Strait development in the past seven years has yielded fruitful results.

He noted a regular communication mechanism between the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office and Taiwan's mainland affairs committee was established during Wang's tenure.

Wang, 46, said he believed cross-Strait relations would continue to make progress with Hsia's broad vision, rich experience and professional ability.

Wang offered his resignation on Tuesday last week following a decision by prosecutors not to indict his former deputy Chang Hsien-yao for allegedly leaking official secrets, due to a lack of evidence.

Wang forced Chang to quit last August over the allegations. Endi