Chang named Taiwan's new premier

Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian yesterday appointed the island's top China negotiator as the new premier, urging him to be firm in his dealings with Beijing.

Chang Chun-hsiung, a former premier and current chairman of the quasi-official Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), which handles affairs with China, replaces Su Tseng-chang, who resigned on Saturday.

"Since Chang has served as the SEF chairman since 2005, he will become the premier who best knows China," Chen told a press conference.

"A firm position and pragmatic ways are the fundamental principles of the government's handling of the cross-Strait relationship."

Su stunned the nation with his resignation, which came less than a week after he lost the ruling party's primary for the 2008 presidential election to Frank Hsieh, the former mayor of the southern city of Kaohsiung.

He was the fifth man to quit the job during Chen's seven years in office.