Which organization did Lee Yuan call a 'disaster'?

Lee Yuan referred to Taiwan Plus, the international media platform, as a 'disaster,' later clarifying it reflected operational challenges, not rejection of the mission.

What is the difference between CCI and Taiwan Plus?

CCI supports Taiwan's cultural content industry, while Taiwan Plus focuses on international broadcasting and global storytelling about Taiwan.

Could this comment lead to budget cuts?

No immediate cuts announced, but increased scrutiny may affect future budget approvals unless transparency improves.

Lee Yuan Clarifies 'Disaster' Remark, Stands by Decision to Establish Cultural Content Promotion Institute and Taiwan Plus

Published Jul 16, 2026 12:26 PM ・ Updated Jul 16, 2026 2:41 PM ・ 5 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Taiwan's Minister of Culture, Lee Yuan, addressed his controversial 'disaster' comment, affirming that the establishment of the Cultural Content Promotion Institute and Taiwan Plus was the right decision. He expressed willingness to face challenges and conduct reviews while emphasizing accountability in public spending.

By Central News Agency Reporter Wang Bao-er, Taipei, June 16

Minister of Culture Lee Yuan addressed his earlier 'disaster' remark today, stating he is fully willing to confront the challenges faced by the Cultural Content Promotion Institute (CCI) and Taiwan Plus, and open to review. While both organizations have encountered unprecedented difficulties, Lee emphasized that the decision to establish them was correct.

Lee previously apologized in the Legislative Yuan for the CCI's investment in the film 'Kung Fu' and described Taiwan Plus as a 'disaster.' This morning, the Education and Culture Committee of the Legislative Yuan invited Lee to deliver a special report titled 'Reviewing the Effectiveness of the Ministry of Culture’s International Communication Policies, Cultural Content Investment, and Public Resource Allocation in Light of the “Disaster” Remark.'

Kuomintang legislator Ge Ru-jun pointed out that after the 'disaster' comment, Lee claimed his statements were made solely to protect the budget, implying false testimony during budget deliberations, and argued that Lee should take political responsibility and resign.

In response, Lee stated during questioning that his remarks reflected the challenges and changes following the establishment of the two institutions, and that all statements were based on the timing and necessity of their creation. He said, 'I have spent my entire life working for Taiwan, carefully ensuring the government uses the people’s tax money wisely. The people are watching everything, and ultimately, they will be the judges. The people will never be the losers.'

On June 4, during the Public Broadcasting Group’s 20th-anniversary event 'I Played at the TV Station All Day' press conference, Lee apologized for his remarks. Democratic Progressive Party legislator Guo Yu-qing, who was present, said she reviewed numerous presentations shared by Taiwan Plus and found its international alignment to be very close. Lee clarified that his apology did not contradict his previous statements during budget reviews, but was made because his words had hurt Taiwan Plus employees. (Edited by Li Ming-zong) 1150716

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Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan
Products / services: Taiwan Plus

Lee Yuan Clarifies 'Disaster' Remark, Stands by Decision to Establish Cultural Content Promotion Institute and Taiwan Plus

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