Taiwan names US-educated official new vice defence minister

28/11/2025 16:40

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Friday promoted a U.S.-educated senior security official as a new vice defence minister to help oversee military reforms and as the government pushes $40 billion in extra spending for the military.



Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, is modernising its armed forces to better deal with a growing threat from Beijing.



Hsu Szu-chien, a fluent English speaker who is currently an advisor to Taiwan's National Security Council, has strong experience at international affairs, the presidential office said in a statement.



"The president hopes to draw on Dr. Hsu's strong professional background and practical experience in national security and international affairs to assist Defence Minister Wellington Koo in injecting new momentum into the reform and strengthening of our national defence," office spokesperson Karen Kuo added.



Hsu has led delegations to take part in important talks with the United States, maintaining "close and well-established interactions with U.S. political and defence circles", she added.



Hsu, who has a doctorate from Columbia University, has also taken part in international forums like the Halifax International Security Forum, Kuo said.