On 15 March 2016, president-elect of the Republic of China Tsai Ing-wen named Lin Chuan premier.

[1] He was confirmed by the Legislative Yuan soon after and took office on 20 May 2016.

On 3 September 2017, Premier Lin Chuan tendered his resignation to President Tsai Ing-wen, which was reluctantly accepted.

A recent poll showed Lin's approve rating to be a mere 28.7%, with 6 in 10 respondents dissatisfied with the performance of his cabinet.

[2] In the Lin cabinet, the following held office as ministers without portfolio:[3]