Cheng Li-wun Applies for Democracy Foundation Subsidy for China Visit; Executive Yuan Asks: Did They Talk About Democracy?
The KMT's Cheng Li-wun applied for an NT$4.8 million subsidy from the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy for her delegation's visit to China. The Executive Yuan questioned if the trip aligned with the goal of promoting democracy, noting no democratic exchange occurred.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 16, 2026 at 14:39
- 🔍 Collected: April 16, 2026 at 15:01 (22 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 03:37 (60h 35m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA Reporters Kao Hua-chien, Lai Yu-chen, Taipei, 16th) Media reported that the expenses for the KMT delegation led by Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun to China were applied for through the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, established with donations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Executive Yuan Spokesperson Li Hui-chih stated that the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy is listed as a key sanctioned target by China, making the KMT's arrangement surprising, asking, "Did Chairwoman Cheng talk about democracy and human rights on this trip?"
Mirror Media reported that Cheng Li-wun recently led a delegation to China. The total cost of the 6-day trip was NT$4.8 million, and they applied for funding from the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, whose board chairman is Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu. This funding has already completed internal sign-off within the Foundation and is being disbursed to the KMT following procedures.
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy stated that the KMT's proposal detailed promoting Taiwan's concepts of freedom and democracy to China, and the Foundation processed it according to the principles of the "Political Party Subsidy Program Operation Guidelines."
Li Hui-chih hosted the Executive Yuan post-cabinet meeting press conference today, stating that the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy has long promoted democracy, human rights, and international exchanges. It has been listed by China as a key sanctioned target and is prohibited from cooperating with Chinese organizations, enterprises, and individuals.
Li Hui-chih said that under such circumstances, the KMT applying for the Democracy Foundation's funding to go to China and meet with Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping is indeed quite a surprising arrangement. It inevitably leads society to question whether using the funds in this way aligns with their original purpose.
Li Hui-chih expressed her belief that the public cares more about substantive actions. Now that Cheng Li-wun's itinerary has ended, they should no longer delay national defense military buildup plans. They should expedite the passage of special regulations for military procurement without compromise, allowing Taiwan to have sufficient strength and letting Taiwanese people have a democratic and free way of life.
Li Hui-chih pointed out, "Did Chairwoman Cheng talk about democracy and human rights on this trip?" From what she has heard, there was no democracy, only the CCP's "15th Five-Year Plan."
According to Article 2 of the Endowment and Organizational Articles of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, there are three main purposes for establishing the foundation. First, to build partnerships with relevant associations, political parties, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in democratic countries, connect with international democratic forces, effectively consolidate global democratic power, and expand our country's space for international activities.
Second, to support democratization in Asia and around the world, establish close cooperation and contact networks with democratic leaders globally, and strive to promote global democratic development. Third, to promote democratic education and international exchanges through global academic circles, think tanks, parliaments, political parties, and other channels, elevating the quality of Taiwan's democracy and consolidating democratic development. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150416
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(CNA Reporters Kao Hua-chien, Lai Yu-chen, Taipei, 16th) Media reported that the expenses for the KMT delegation led by Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun to China were applied for through the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, established with donations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Executive Yuan Spokesperson Li Hui-chih stated that the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy is listed as a key sanctioned target by China, making the KMT's arrangement surprising, asking, "Did Chairwoman Cheng talk about democracy and human rights on this trip?"
Mirror Media reported that Cheng Li-wun recently led a delegation to China. The total cost of the 6-day trip was NT$4.8 million, and they applied for funding from the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, whose board chairman is Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu. This funding has already completed internal sign-off within the Foundation and is being disbursed to the KMT following procedures.
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy stated that the KMT's proposal detailed promoting Taiwan's concepts of freedom and democracy to China, and the Foundation processed it according to the principles of the "Political Party Subsidy Program Operation Guidelines."
Li Hui-chih hosted the Executive Yuan post-cabinet meeting press conference today, stating that the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy has long promoted democracy, human rights, and international exchanges. It has been listed by China as a key sanctioned target and is prohibited from cooperating with Chinese organizations, enterprises, and individuals.
Li Hui-chih said that under such circumstances, the KMT applying for the Democracy Foundation's funding to go to China and meet with Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping is indeed quite a surprising arrangement. It inevitably leads society to question whether using the funds in this way aligns with their original purpose.
Li Hui-chih expressed her belief that the public cares more about substantive actions. Now that Cheng Li-wun's itinerary has ended, they should no longer delay national defense military buildup plans. They should expedite the passage of special regulations for military procurement without compromise, allowing Taiwan to have sufficient strength and letting Taiwanese people have a democratic and free way of life.
Li Hui-chih pointed out, "Did Chairwoman Cheng talk about democracy and human rights on this trip?" From what she has heard, there was no democracy, only the CCP's "15th Five-Year Plan."
According to Article 2 of the Endowment and Organizational Articles of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, there are three main purposes for establishing the foundation. First, to build partnerships with relevant associations, political parties, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in democratic countries, connect with international democratic forces, effectively consolidate global democratic power, and expand our country's space for international activities.
Second, to support democratization in Asia and around the world, establish close cooperation and contact networks with democratic leaders globally, and strive to promote global democratic development. Third, to promote democratic education and international exchanges through global academic circles, think tanks, parliaments, political parties, and other channels, elevating the quality of Taiwan's democracy and consolidating democratic development. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150416
Stand with the facts; every sponsorship you make is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA "First Hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
Texts, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.