TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Lin Fei-fan (林飛帆) was appointed deputy secretary general on Tuesday (May 15), becoming the youngest-ever senior official of Taiwan's top security agency.
The National Security Council (NSC) plays a crucial role in Taiwan's government. It assesses national security measures and advises the president on major policies. The council's approval is also essential for shaping the country's foreign and defense policies.
Lin Fei-Fan will oversee Taiwan-U.S. policy.
The selection of Lin Fei-Fan has stirred debate due to his previous leadership in the Sunflower Student Movement and his vocal support for Taiwan's independence. Taiwan People's Party legislator Chang Chi-kai remarked, "The NSC is supposed to comprise defense experts, yet Lin's expertise in this area remains unclear."
Opposition lawmakers, including KMT's Wang Hung-wei, voiced concerns that the new security team might heighten tensions with China, citing another NSC official's alleged pro-independence stance as a complicating factor for cross-strait relations.
Also recently nominated, Fu Tung-cheng, former vice chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation, will manage cross-strait economic and trade issues. At the same time, Lee Yuh-Jye, an information security expert, will handle cybersecurity.