TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - Taiwan's president on Tuesday appointed a new premier seen as willing to reach out to rival China amid ongoing tense relations between the two sides. The smooth transfer of office "represents that there is absolutely no problem with the communication and handing over of the functions within the Cabinet," Tsai told reporters at a news conference attended by both Lin and

"All the reform projects will be handed over and carried on," Tsai said. Tsai is to announce a successor on Tuesday, with the official Central News Agency saying her pick will be William Lai, mayor of the southern city of Tainan who has advocated seeking common ground with China. China cut off all contacts with Tsai's government more than a year ago after she refused to endorse Beijing's position that Taiwan is Chinese territory. The sides separated amid civil war in 1949 and China continues to threaten force to gain control over the island of 23 million people.
Tainan Mayor William Lai Ching-te is appointed as the new Premier by the President of the Republic of China Tsai Ing-wen.