Reince Priebus’ White House appointment good news for Taiwan: minister

The appointment of Reince Priebus as the next White House Chief of Staff is good news for Taiwan as Priebus is familiar with Taiwan-U.S. affairs, Foreign Minister David Lee (???) said in a legislative session on Monday.

Lee said he is happy to see Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, receive such an important position because he has been a friend to Taiwan.

Priebus has visited Taiwan several times, including last year and during the Republic of China's Centenary celebrations in 2011.

He also met with a delegation of Taiwanese lawmakers who visited the United States in July, Lee said, adding that Priebus has maintained good relations with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S.

However, Lee said "it is too early to tell" if the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trumpad will allow more arm sales to Taiwan, following comments by the National Security Bureau that it is optimistic about future arms agreements.

Lee also stressed that maintaining good relations with the Democratic and Republican parties is equally important.

In addition to appointing Priebus as chief of staff, Trump also made his campaign manager Steve Bannon "chief strategist," in his first two White House hires.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel