After the DPP gained control of the central government, in view of Yang's long overseas experience of diplomatic affairs and the overseas Chinese community, she was recruited into the cabinet to take over the important position of vice chair of the MOFA's Research and Planning Board.
民進黨在中央執政後，借重她在國外多年熟悉外交事務及僑界的特長，延攬入閣，擔任外交部研究設計委員會副主委。