Taiwan chief negotiator to resign

Source: Xinhua | 05-06-2009 15:22

TAIPEI, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan chief negotiator Chiang Pin-kung said here Wednesday he had submitted his resignation as chairman of the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF).

Chiang Pin-kung (R), chairman of the Taiwan-based Straits  Exchange Foundation (SEF), waves to people at the Pudong  International Airport in Shanghai April 29, 2009.  (Xinhua File Photo/Xing Guangli)

Chiang, who is turning 77 this December, told media on Wednesday morning that he decided to resign because of his "age" and "physical strength."

He said it was not a sudden decision and he had already delivered his verbal resignation to Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou by the end of last year, but Ma allegedly tried to retain him.