TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Presidential Office Spokesperson Olivia Lin confirmed Friday (March 29) that Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng apologized to President Tsai Ing-wen and her team for a family-related issue and verbally offered his resignation.
However, Lin explained that considering the current complex regional security situation and the ongoing government transition, Tsai believes Chiu should remain in his post.
Chiu's son has been implicated in a sex scandal, prompting an investigation by the National Security Bureau.
Meanwhile, Chiu's absence from the "2024 Ceremony in Honor of the Ancestors and the Loyal and Martyrs' Death" event further sparked speculation about his possible intention to resign.
Defense ministry Spokesperson Sun Li-fang stated there is no new comment regarding Chiu's resignation.
Chiu was originally scheduled to report on the "Implementation and Future Goals of the National Defense Autonomy Policy" at the Legislative Yuan's Foreign and National Defense Committee meeting next Monday, but there are now rumors he may take leave and be absent.