TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Fertilizer Co. on Tuesday selected General Manager Chang Tsang-lang (張滄郎) as its new chairperson, backing away from a controversial plan to appoint Executive Yuan Central Taiwan Joint Services Center Deputy Executive Officer Wu Yin-ning (吳音寧) to the post.
The Ministry of Agriculture had abruptly announced on Friday that Wu would replace Chairperson Li Sun-jung (李孫榮), a close ally of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), per Tai Sounds. The ministry, which holds a plurality of shares in Taiwan Fertilizer, exerts significant influence over chairperson appointments.
Li’s replacement came as a surprise, as his term was set to continue through 2027 and his leadership had been viewed positively both inside and outside the company. The ministry cited Wu’s prior experience as general manager of the Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation as grounds for confidence in her ability to lead Taiwan Fertilizer, per CNA.
In response to Taiwan Fertilizer declining to appoint Wu as chairperson, the Ministry of Agriculture stressed that it respects the company’s decision, per ETtoday.
News of Wu potentially becoming chair drew criticism from opposition lawmakers, who said the move was politically motivated. Kuomintang Legislator Hsu Yu-chen (許宇甄) argued that Wu’s selection reflected appointments based on political connections rather than expertise and noted past public criticism of her management of TAPMC, per Newtalk.
Hsu called on President Lai to explain the decision to remove Li and to make public the selection criteria and review process for the chairperson position.
Supporters of Wu, including Taiwan Sustainability Union Chairperson Yu Kuo-hsin (余國信), said her background could help guide the company toward greener fertilizer initiatives, per UDN.
According to Democratic Progressive Party insiders, senior members appreciated Wu’s credentials but reconsidered after her potential appointment became heavily politicized, per UDN. The same sources said concerns were raised that controversy surrounding her selection could hurt the DPP’s image ahead of the 2026 local elections.
