President Ma Ying-jeou approved a major reshuffle of top military personnel earlier this week, the most extensive one since he took office in 2008.

It involves a total of six top officials in the Army and the Navy. Some observers say that the move may be related to the appointment of the next chief of the general staff.

President Ma Ying-jeou has approved the transfers of six high-ranking military officials.

Army Deputy Chief of Staff Wu Ta-peng will be joining the Presidential Office staff as a strategic advisor, and be replaced by Military Police Commander Lee Hsiang-chou.

National Defense University President Chin Nai-chieh has likewise been appointed a presidential strategic advisor, and will be replaced by Navy Deputy Chief of Staff Chen Yung-kang.

Chen will be replaced by Naval Commander Kao Kuang-chi, who in turn will be replaced by Combined Logistics Commander Tung Hsiang-lung.

One legislator believes that Lee and Tung were promoted because the Military Police Command and Combined Logistics Command are set to be dissolved, while others believe that the moves are related to the appointment of the next chief of the general staff.