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Lin Chia-lung

In this Chinese name, the family name is Lin.
Lin Chia-lung
林佳龍
Official portrait, 2024
28th Minister of Foreign Affairs
Incumbent
Assumed office
20 May 2024
Prime MinisterCho Jung-tai
Preceded byJoseph Wu
38th Secretary-General to the President
In office
31 January 2023 – 20 May 2024
PresidentTsai Ing-wen
DeputyAlex Huang
Preceded byDavid Lee
Succeeded byPan Men-an
27th Minister of Transportation and Communications
In office
14 January 2019 – 19 April 2021
PremierSu Tseng-chang
Preceded byWang Kwo-tsai (acting)
Succeeded byWang Kwo-tsai
2nd Mayor of Taichung
In office
25 December 2014 – 25 December 2018
DeputyLin Ling-san
Pan Wen-chung
Preceded byJason Hu
Succeeded byLu Shiow-yen
Member of the Legislative Yuan
In office
1 February 2012 – 25 December 2014
Preceded byDaniel Huang
Succeeded byHuang Kuo-shu
ConstituencyTaichung VI
11th Secretary-General of the Democratic Progressive Party
In office
25 January 2006 – 15 October 2007
ChairmanChen Shui-bian
Preceded byLee I-yang
Succeeded byCho Jung-tai
21st Director-General of the Government Information Office
In office
20 May 2004 – 13 March 2005
Prime MinisterYu Shyi-kun
Frank Hsieh
Preceded byHuang Huei-zhen
Succeeded byPasuya Yao
Personal details
Born (1964-02-13) 13 February 1964 (age 60)
Taipei, Taiwan
Political partyDemocratic Progressive Party
SpouseLiao Wan-ju
EducationNational Taiwan University (BA, MA)
Yale University (MPhil, MA, PhD)
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese林佳龍
Simplified Chinese林佳龙
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinLín Jiālóng
Wade–GilesLin2 Chia1-lung2

Lin Chia-lung (Chinese: 林佳龍; pinyin: Lín Jiālóng; Wade–Giles: Lin2 Chia1-lung2; born 13 February 1964) is a Taiwanese politician, political scientist, and former academic who is currently serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs since 20 May 2024 and has previously served as Secretary General to the President of Taiwan, from 31 January 2023 to 20 May 2024.

A member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Lin served as mayor of Taichung City from 2014 to 2018. Before entering politics, Lin graduated from National Taiwan University, earned three degrees from Yale University, and worked as a political science professor at National Chung Cheng University.

Early life and education

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Lin was born in Taipei City.[1] After graduating from Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School, Lin Chia-lung attended National Taiwan University (NTU), where he received his B.A. (1986) and M.A. (1988) in political science.[2] As a student representative at NTU, Lin was active in the NTU Society for the Study of Mainland China (臺大大陸問題研究社), and a participant in the "Love of Freedom" (自由之愛) campus free speech movement. Lin played a key role in pushing for the direct election of the student council chairman by students, and was responsible for drafting the election plan proposed by students to the campus administration in 1984.[3][4]

Lin attended Yale University in the United States on a Fulbright scholarship from 1991 through 1994. He received master's degrees in philosophy (1992) and political science (1993), as well as a Ph.D. in political science (1998). His dissertation was titled "Paths to democracy: Taiwan in comparative perspective".

Returning to Taiwan after graduating from Yale, Lin served on the faculty of the political science department at National Chung Cheng University as an assistant professor from 1999 through 2004.[2] His research interests include the democratization of Taiwan, as well as the political and economic development of the People's Republic of China, and has written several books on the subjects.[5][6]

Political career

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In the early 2000s, he served in various capacities in the Executive Yuan under DPP President Chen Shui-bian.[7][8] Lin was appointed as an advisor to the National Security Council in 2000, and to the position of cabinet spokesman in 2003.[9] Lin represented the government position in a debate against Legislator Kao Chin Su-mei, where he argued in favor of arms procurements which would be submitted to referendum the following year.[10]

Due to his performance as cabinet spokesman, Lin was appointed director of the Government Information Office (GIO) by President Chen Shui-bian following his reelection in 2004.[11] In January 2005, Lin authorized a GIO program encouraging donations to provide financial support for orphans of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.[12] Controversy over the program later arose in August 2005, five months after Lin had left GIO, surrounding the delay in disbursing NT$400 million in donations to various charities and NGOs. Media reports suggesting that the program had been neglected in the transition between Lin and his successor at GIO, Pasuya Yao were denied by GIO, which promised the funds would be disbursed by September 5.[13]

Lin resigned from his position as GIO director in March 2005 to run as DPP candidate for mayor of Taichung City.[14] In the ensuing elections held in December 2005, Lin lost against incumbent Mayor Jason Hu by 87,075 votes (19.3%).[15] In 2014 Lin ran again against Hu and won by a landslide margin, over 200,000 votes.[16]

Lin was appointed DPP Secretary-General in January 2006, and Deputy Secretary-General to the President in October 2007.[2]

Mayor of Taichung (2014-2018)

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See also: 2014 Taiwanese local elections and 2018 Taiwanese local elections

Lin defeated DPP legislator Tsai Chi-chang in a public opinion poll that served as the party's primary on 31 December 2013.[17] He was elected as the Mayor of Taichung after winning the Taichung mayoral election on 29 November 2014, defeating Kuomintang (KMT) incumbent Jason Hu.[18]

During his term, Lin oversaw "Project Taichung Port 2.0", coordinating with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Taiwan International Ports Corporation to plan and enhance the port area, including preservation of Gaomei Wetland in the northern portion and commercial development in the southern portions. The opening of Mitsui Outlet Park Taichung Port was said to have attracted NT$910 billion (approximately US$30 billion) in investments over 4 years.[19][20]

Lin was re-nominated as the mayoral candidate in November 2017.[21] He was defeated by KMT candidate Lu Shiow-yen.

Post-mayoralty career

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Lin succeeded Wang Kwo-tsai on 14 January 2019 who was acting Minister of Transportation and Communications. He resigned on 4 April 2021 in the aftermath of the Hualien train derailment which killed at least 49 people,[22] stating that he would take full political responsibility for the crash and will leave once the rescue work ends.[23][24]

In January 2022, Lin was appointed ambassador without portfolio in charge of promoting Taiwan's digital New Southbound Policy initiatives.[25] He is expected to serve in this role until May 2024.[26]

After Lo Chih-cheng [zh] decided not to contest the New Taipei mayoralty in July 2022,[27] the DPP selected Lin as its candidate for the post.[28] Lin lost to then-deputy mayor Hou Yu-ih in a landslide defeat in the general election.[29]

From 31 January 2023, Lin served in the Chen Chien-jen cabinet as Secretary-General to the President.[30]

Minister of Foreign Affairs

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Lin was designated as foreign minister by president-elect Lai Ching-te on 11 April 2024, succeeding Joseph Wu.[31]

In August 2024, Lin and Joseph Wu (now National Security Council head) attended a closed-door security dialogue with United States officials through a "special channel." The format of the meeting was noted as a way to maintain communication between the two governments due to limits on contact allowed by the unofficial nature of Taiwan's relations with the U.S.[32]

In November 2024, Lin remarked that the Taiwanese government did not oppose the restoration of Lithuania's diplomatic relations with China, following incoming prime minister Gintautas Paluckas's comments of doing so. Paluckas had stated his desire to repair relations with the Chinese government, who downgraded diplomatic ties with Lithuania and imposed trade restrictions following the establishment of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania in 2021.[33]

Later that month, Lin embarked on a tour of European countries, including Belgium, Lithuania, and Poland.[34] He attended a dinner ceremony marking the third anniversary of the establishment of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Vilnius.[35]

Personal life

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Lin is married to Liao Wan-ju (廖婉如),[36][37] niece of Taiwanese businessman and Chi Mei Corporation founder Shi Wen-long.[38]

Honors

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Selected works

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References

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  1. ^ Su, Joy (2 March 2005). "GIO head to join Taichung race". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
  2. ^ a b c "Deputy Secretary-General to the President". Presidential Office Organization. ROC Office of the President. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
  3. ^ 民國七十四年至七十七年 (1985 - 1988). 歷史沿革 (Historical Changes). NTU Student Association - 19th. 2007-02-06. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
  4. ^ 蘇, 永耀 (2004-08-08), 《星期人物》林佳龍 理論行動家謀定後動, The Liberty Times (in Chinese)
  5. ^ Lin, Chia-lung (July 2007), 民主到底: 公投民主在臺灣 (Democracy All the Way: Referendum Movement in Taiwan), 臺灣智庫, ISBN 978-986-83367-1-1
  6. ^ Lin, Chia-lung; et al. (2004), 未來中國: 退化的極權主義 (Future China: Weakening of Authoritarianism), 時報文化, ISBN 957-13-4016-2
  7. ^ "台中市 (3)林佳龍". 2005縣市長選舉. Democratic Progressive Party. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
  8. ^ "機關首長 林佳龍". 臺中市政府 (in Chinese). Taiwan. 26 January 2018. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
  9. ^ Ko, Shu-Ling (2003-03-03), "Lin wins praise for interpersonal skills", The Taipei Times, p. 3, retrieved 2008-04-05
  10. ^ Ko, Shu-ling (2004-03-01), "Debate focuses on missile sentiments", The Taipei Times, p. 1, retrieved 2008-04-06
  11. ^ Ko, Shu-ling (2004-05-20), "Six outgoing Cabinet members honored at party", The Taipei Times, p. 4, retrieved 2008-04-06
  12. ^ "GIO calls on public to help victims of Asian tsunami", The Taipei Times, p. 3, 2005-01-08, retrieved 2008-04-06
  13. ^ Ko, Shu-ling; Chuang, Jimmy (2005-08-25), "DPP calls for probe of delays in tsunami payouts", The Taipei Times, p. 3, retrieved 2008-04-06
  14. ^ Su, Joy (2005-03-02), "GIO head to join Taichung race", The Taipei Times, p. 3, retrieved 2008-04-06
  15. ^ Mo, Yan-chih (2003-12-04), "Jason Hu flays DPP in Taichung City", The Taipei Times, p. 4, retrieved 2008-04-06
  16. ^ 鄭進興 (30 November 2014). "台中市長選舉 林佳龍大贏胡志強20萬票" (in Chinese). 新頭殼newtalk. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
  17. ^ Wang, Chris; Mo, Yan-chih (1 January 2014). "Legislator Lin Chia-lung wins DPP's Taichung mayoral public opinion poll". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
  18. ^ Hsiao, Alison (30 November 2014). "DPP wins mayoral race in Taichung with landslide". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
  19. ^ Wang, Wen-chi (12 December 2018). "三井OUTLET台中港開幕 林佳龍：台中經濟已經起飛". China Times. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  20. ^ Liao, George (13 December 2018). "Taiwan's Taichung mayor: Opening of Mitsui Outlet Park will attract more investments飛". Taiwan News. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  21. ^ 楊淳卉 (15 November 2017). "民進黨11/29首波提名 9縣市長爭取明年連任". Liberty Times Net (in Chinese). Taiwan. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
  22. ^ Yang, Sophia (11 April 2021). "Death toll in Taiwan train derailment revised down to 49". Taiwan News. Retrieved 2021-04-20.
  23. ^ "林佳龍深夜發文首曝辭職歷程：不戀棧、內心極痛楚自責" ["Will not cling on power; very heartbroken and sorry": Lin Chia-Lung's midnight Facebook post revealed the unfolding of his resignation]. 聯合新聞網 (in Chinese (Taiwan)). 2021-04-04. Retrieved 2021-04-04.
  24. ^ Wang, Cindy (2021-04-02). "High-Speed Train Derails in Taiwan's East Coast, Killing 41". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 2021-04-02.
  25. ^ Su, Yung-yao; Madjar, Kayleigh (27 December 2021). "Ex-transport minister tipped for new position". Taipei Times. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  26. ^ Su, Yung-yao (5 January 2022). "總統特聘林佳龍為無任所大使 專責數位新南向". Liberty Times. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  27. ^ Wen, Kuei-hsiang; Yen, Su-ping; Yeh, Joseph (3 July 2022). "Mooted DPP pick quits New Taipei mayoral race over nomination delay". Central News Agency. Retrieved 10 July 2022. Republished as: "DPP legislator quits New Taipei mayor race, citing delays". Taipei Times. 4 July 2022. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  28. ^ Wen, Kuei-hsiang; Lee, Hsin-Yin (10 July 2022). "Health minister tapped as DPP candidate for Taipei mayoral race". Central News Agency. Retrieved 10 July 2022. Republished as: Chen, Yun; Liu, Tzu-hsuan (11 July 2022). "DPP tips health minister to run for Taipei mayor". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  29. ^ "新北封關預測／侯友宜狂贏30萬票！林佳龍破「蘇貞昌防線」". RW News. 15 November 2022. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  30. ^ "New Cabinet, Presidential Office officials sworn in". Central News Agency. 31 January 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
  31. ^ Yeh, Su-ping; Yeh, Joseph; Hou, Elaine (11 April 2024). "Presidential aide Lin Chia-lung tipped to be Taiwan's new foreign minister". Central News Agency. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
  32. ^ Chin, Jonathan (24 August 2024). "Foreign, security heads meet US officials: FT". Taipei Times.
  33. ^ "Taiwan not opposed to Lithuania-China relations". Taipei Times. 8 November 2024.
  34. ^ "FM Lin wraps up visits to Belgium, Lithuania, Poland". Taiwan Today. 25 November 2024.
  35. ^ Huang, Ching-hsuan (22 November 2024). "Minister marks office anniversary in Vilnius". Taipei Times. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  36. ^ Lee, Hsin-fang; Chang, Ching-ya; Chen, Wei-han (30 June 2015). "Lin Chia-lung's fortune tops NT$300m". Taipei Times. Retrieved 14 April 2016.
  37. ^ Hsiao, Alison (29 November 2014). "Taichung candidates hold election-eve rallies". Taipei Times. Retrieved 14 April 2016.
  38. ^ Tsai, Shu-yuan (29 April 2017). "許文龍外甥女婿林佳龍 年輕時把奇美當義美". Liberty Times. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  39. ^ Wang, Flor; Wen, Kuei-shang (14 May 2024). "Outgoing President Tsai honors VP Lai, 12 other officials". Central News Agency. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
[edit]
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Political offices
Preceded by Mayor of Taichung
25 December 2014 – 25 December 2018 		Succeeded by