Lin Join-sane[File photo]

The Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) on Thursday formally accepted the resignation of its Chairman Chiang Pin-kung and elected Lin Join-sane as its new head.

Lin will act as the top negotiator between the SEF and its mainland counterpart, the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS).

Chiang, who had headed the SEF since May 2008, announced his resignation last week due to his age, physical condition and future career plans.

His resignation has been accepted by Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou.