Taiwan: Changes in Cabinet, Changes in Relations

After their coalition failed to perform to expectations in December's Legislative Yuan elections, Taiwanese Premier Yu Shyi-kun and his Cabinet resigned Jan. 24. Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian will now have the opportunity to nominate a new Cabinet favorable to the newly elected Parliament, the majority of which favors closer ties with mainland China. With election year rhetoric behind him, Chen will seek to improve economic relations with mainland China.