TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has named National Security Council Senior Adviser Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉) as the new deputy defense minister for military policies due to his expertise in international strategy, reports said Friday.

Hsu had been mentioned in the media before as a possible choice for Taiwan envoy to the US. The Columbia University Ph.D. served as deputy foreign minister from 2018 to 2020 and as deputy secretary general of the National Security Council from 2020 until this year, per UDN.

His professional background and practical experience would allow Hsu to help the defense ministry with reforms and provide a renewed impetus, the Presidential Office said. During his time at the council, he assisted the military in conducting exchanges and cooperation projects with international allies.

Hsu has also been a frequent participant in Taiwan-US dialogue, leading delegations to international events. During his work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he attended the Berlin Security Conference, the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada, the Raisina Dialogue in India, and the Warsaw Security Forum.

Lai said he hoped Hsu would be able to use his global perspective and strategic talent to strengthen the nation’s defense and deepen its relations with international allies, according to the Presidential Office.