TAIPEI - Wang Yu-chi, Taiwan's new chief for mainland affairs, took office on Tuesday, pledging to continue to implement the cross-Straits policies of the island's authorities.

Wang said that these policies adopted over the past four years have reduced tension, promoted exchanges and restarted institutionalized negotiations once stalled for years between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland.

The benefits brought by the 18 agreements signed between Taiwan and the mainland continue to be felt on the island, according to Wang.

He added that he will continue to implement the cross-Straits policies of Taiwan authorities on the basis of the needs of the island's people after taking office.

Wang, born in 1969, once served as a spokesman for the office of Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou and a security advisor to Ma.