TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Presidential Office announced Tuesday that National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University law scholar Lin Chih-chieh (林志潔) has been appointed as an advisor to the National Security Council.
Under the direction of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), the NSC recruited Lin on Feb. 3, per UP Media. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said Tuesday that the president hopes to draw on Lin’s expertise in national security law, commercial espionage, and export controls to strengthen policy in those areas.
Responding to the appointment, Lin said that as legal and political “lawfare” becomes increasingly important in addressing infiltration by the CCP, she is glad to contribute to Taiwan’s security in whatever ways possible.
DPP insiders said the appointment reflects Lai’s trust in Lin and could also signal a potential bid for a legislative seat in Hsinchu in 2028, per Mirror Media.
Lin previously ran on the DPP ticket for legislator in 2024 and had been viewed as a leading contender for the party’s nomination in the Hsinchu mayoral race. Her appointment as an NSC advisor, however, appears to rule out a near-term mayoral bid.
The DPP is currently struggling to identify a candidate for the Hsinchu mayoral election. Local party insiders said discussions within the party’s base about potential contenders have been limited, and several local politicians and party officials have declined to run.
At present, Cabinet Spokesperson Li Hui-chih (李慧芝) and ophthalmologist Wu Kuo-chih (吳國治), who leads a local support group for Lai, are seen as possible candidates, per Newtalk.
Asked about the possibility during a press conference, Li said her daily focus is on governance rather than elections, per Tai Sounds.
Wu also dismissed speculation, saying the reports appeared aimed at driving a wedge between himself and DPP lawmaker Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘), per UDN. He emphasized his close relationship with Ker, describing the veteran lawmaker as a unifying figure in the city.
Wu added that although he is not a party member, he has long supported the DPP because of shared policy positions. He stressed, however, that his support does not mean he intends to enter politics.
DPP Hsinchu chapter chair Shih Nai-ju (施乃如) said the party’s central leadership will oversee the nomination process and select the strongest candidate, per Liberty Times.
Meanwhile, the opposition has consolidated behind incumbent mayor Kao Hung-an (高虹安). A poll released in January showed Kao holding a comfortable lead over Lin, per Newtalk.
