The Presidential Office announced yesterday that three top military officials-Chief of the General Staff Lin Chen-yi, Army Commanding General Yang Tien-hsiao, and President of the National Defense University Chin-Nai-chieh-will remain at their current posts for another year. The decision has been interpreted as an attempt to prevent further power struggles inside the military, but the Ministry of Defense emphasizes that it's based on mission-related concerns.

On Monday, President Ma Ying-jeou extended the terms of three high-ranking military officials, including Chief of the General Staff Lin Chen-yi, Army Commanding General Yang Tien-hsiao, and National Defense University President Chin Nai-chieh, for an additional year.

The military has been beset by a number of scandals in recent months, including a headlining espionage case, the wrongful execution of Chiang Kuo-ching, and Air Force Commander Lei Yu-chi using military resources for his son's wedding.

The Presidential Office and Ministry of National Defense have issued no additional statements, but the extensions of Lin, Yang, and Chin's respective terms may force the retirements of other high-ranking military officials and affect the promotion paths of other officers.

According to the MND, all personnel decisions are made based on need.