According to media reports, the expenses for the delegation led by KMT Chairman Cheng Li-wen to China were applied for from the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, which was established with donations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. DPP spokesperson Lin Chu-in said today, 'Was "democracy and human rights" ever mentioned during the "Cheng-Xi meeting"? Why should the people's taxpayer money pay for the KMT? Please explain clearly to the citizens.'
KMT Cultural and Communications Committee Director Yin Nai-ching said today that Cheng Li-wen's '2026 Peace Journey' to mainland China was a legal application to the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy for political party exchange.
The Mirror reported that Cheng Li-wen recently led a group to China, and the total cost of NT$4.8 million for 6 days was applied for from the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, chaired by Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu.
Lin Chu-in pointed out that most of the funding for the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy is allocated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the goal of providing various political parties with opportunities for international exchange in 'democracy and human rights.' Consequently, the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy has even been listed as a 'key sanction target' by the CCP. What's outrageous is that Cheng Li-wen's visit to China to meet Xi Jinping was not paid for by the KMT itself but by the national treasury.
Lin emphasized that the CCP's malicious intent to annex Taiwan is obvious. Even during Cheng's visit, the PLA's aircraft and ships continued to harass Taiwan, and live-fire drills were added as a threat. She questioned, 'On one hand, she takes democracy funds, and on the other, she pays respects to the CCP dictator. At the same time, the KMT repeatedly blocks the special defense budget regulations for the sake of the "Cheng-Xi meeting," yet wants the people to pay for their own China trip. On what grounds? Please, KMT, explain it clearly.'
FACT BOX
- Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
- Category: Taiwan