Taipei: Former Control Yuan member Frank Wu has officially taken office as the chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), following his election by the SEF board of directors and supervisors. In his acceptance speech, Wu expressed hope that the SEF's Chinese counterpart, the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), would reciprocate with goodwill and collaborate on enhancing bilateral relations. According to Focus Taiwan, the SEF is a semi-official organization tasked by Taiwan's government with handling technical matters involving China. Wu emphasized the complexity of cross-strait affairs, highlighting their significant role in government policies, including military strategies. He noted that despite differences in cross-strait policies over the years, Taiwan's presidents have consistently upheld the defense of Taiwan's sovereignty and independence. Wu also referenced Chinese President Xi Jinping's emphasis on peaceful development across the strait, suggesting that both leaders see peaceful development and shared prosperity as vital for the well-being of people on both sides. He urged ARATS to work with SEF to foster goodwill and pave the way for a brighter future in bilateral relations. Wu's long-standing involvement in cross-strait affairs, including his role as an SEF board member since its inception in 1990, underscores his commitment to this challenging area. He was appointed by the Mainland Affairs Council to succeed Rock Hsu, who served as acting SEF chairman following Cheng Wen-tsan's resignation amid corruption charges. The SEF website details Wu's extensive career, including his tenure at the Independence Evening Post, his election to the National Assembly, leadership roles in public television, and service in the Executive Yuan and Control Yuan. Wu's diverse experience positions him as a seasoned leader ready to navigate the complex dynamics of cross-strait relations.