DPP Questions Cheng Li-wun's China Trip Funded by Taxpayers; KMT: Legal Application
Controversy has erupted in Taiwan over KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun's trip to China being funded by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. The DPP criticizes the use of public funds for meeting with Chinese leaders, while the KMT defends the legality of the subsidy.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 16, 2026 at 19:23
- 🔍 Collected: April 16, 2026 at 19:32 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 23:14 (291h 42m after Collected)
DPP spokesperson Lin Chu-yin stated today that the funding for KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun's delegation to China was applied for through the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, which is established with donations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Lin questioned why taxpayers should foot the bill for meeting Xi Jinping and asked the KMT for a clear explanation.
KMT Cultural and Communications Committee Director Yin Nai-ching responded that Cheng's '2026 Peace Journey' to mainland China was a legal application to the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy for party exchange activities.
Reports indicate that the 6-day trip cost a total of NT$4.8 million. Lin pointed out that the foundation's funds are primarily allocated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support political parties in international exchanges for 'democracy and human rights.' She emphasized that the CCP has even listed the foundation as a target for sanctions. Lin criticized the KMT for using public funds while the PLA continues its military threats against Taiwan and the KMT blocks national defense budgets. She demanded the KMT 'speak clearly and tell the truth.'
KMT Cultural and Communications Committee Director Yin Nai-ching responded that Cheng's '2026 Peace Journey' to mainland China was a legal application to the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy for party exchange activities.
Reports indicate that the 6-day trip cost a total of NT$4.8 million. Lin pointed out that the foundation's funds are primarily allocated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support political parties in international exchanges for 'democracy and human rights.' She emphasized that the CCP has even listed the foundation as a target for sanctions. Lin criticized the KMT for using public funds while the PLA continues its military threats against Taiwan and the KMT blocks national defense budgets. She demanded the KMT 'speak clearly and tell the truth.'