Chiang Pin-kung - Straits Exchange Foundation

Straits Exchange Foundation

Following the Kuomintang's landslide win in the presidential election in 2008, Chiang was designated as chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation, the semi-official body responsible for negotiation on non-political matters with the People's Republic of China. This made him responsible for the front line negotiations with the PRC government. He resigned in May 2009 due to health and age reasons. He was 76 years old, and hoped to spend more time with his family. Some newspaper and magazine reported Chiang's family gained more businesses in mainland China from warming ties. He has rejected the quitting as being politically motivated. A few days later President Ma Ying-jeou paid a visit to Chiang to persuade him to stay. He confirmed that he would not retire.

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