Since assuming the directorship in May 2024, Chen has actively promoted female agents who have proven their mettle in high-stakes counterintelligence operations. Observers and insiders describe this ascendant group as Chen's "female lieutenant network," a cohort of women now directing field offices and critical headquarters divisions. The shift marks a stark departure from the bureau's history, where female senior officials were once rare exceptions.

The expanding network includes National Security Affairs Department Director Yeh Li-ching (葉麗卿), Cross-Strait Situation Analysis Department Director Lung Chu-yun(龍竹筠), and Taoyuan Investigation Office Director Yang Chiu-hsiang (楊秋香).

The trust between Chen and his top lieutenants was forged during intense national security crises. Yeh and Yang, who graduated from the bureau's 30th and 29th training classes, respectively, served alongside Chen for years at the National Security Station. Long before Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party formalized its "resist China, protect Taiwan" platform, this trio operated as the bureau's de facto anti-Beijing coalition, tackling major espionage networks.

Their bond was solidified during a severe internal crisis at the National Security Station when classified documents mysteriously vanished from a military-grade facility. Facing intense scrutiny and potential career termination, Chen, Yeh, and Yang conducted an exhaustive search of personnel and facilities. The classified files eventually reappeared, and an investigation revealed the incident was orchestrated as internal sabotage. The harrowing experience cemented an unbreakable loyalty among the trio.

Upon taking the bureau's top post, Chen strategically positioned his trusted allies to maintain a robust anti-infiltration defense line. He appointed Yeh to head the National Security Affairs Department and tasked Yang with leading the Taoyuan Investigation Office, a jurisdiction rich with critical political, economic, and military installations. Yang's expertise paid immediate dividends in mid-January 2025, when she led an operation that netted a China Television anchor in a major espionage case. The high-profile breakthrough earned private commendation from President Lai Ching-te, significantly elevating the bureau's prestige amid heightened cross-strait tensions.

Chen also relies heavily on Lung, a veteran ally and former deputy, to lead the Cross-Strait Situation Analysis Department. Functioning as the bureau's intelligence hub, the department provides comprehensive open-source intelligence on Chinese Communist Party activities to support ongoing investigations. The unit monitors Taiwan Strait developments and maintains an invaluable archive of historical CCP documentation utilized by national academic institutions.

The influence of this female network is poised to expand further. With a wave of senior retirements expected in mid-July 2026, internal sources suggest Chen is positioned to promote from his inner circle. Yeh, Yang and Lung are widely considered frontrunners to fill these top vacancies.