Taiwan Condemns China for Article Criticizing Interior Minister
Udumbara
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Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, a government agency that handles cross-strait affairs, criticized Hong Kong newspaper Ta Kung Pao for “disseminating malicious information” to attack Liu and for “improperly implicating” her nephew, according to a Feb. 27 statement.
“This is a blatant misuse of the pretext of ‘punishing Taiwan independence’ to carry out what amounts to transnational repression against the Taiwanese government, its officials, and innocent citizens,” the council said.
“Such egregious actions by the Chinese Communist Party will only instill fear among people engaged in cross-strait exchanges, continuously harming the healthy development of cross-strait interactions.”
In an article published on Feb. 27, Ta Kung Pao accused Liu of receiving political donations from her nephew, Yen Wen-chun, who allegedly held senior management positions at three companies in China.
The outlet also accused Liu of being a “die-hard” supporter of “Taiwanese independence” who had discouraged cross-strait exchanges while allowing her relatives to profit from businesses in China.
In response to Ta Kung Pao’s allegations, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, an agency under the State Council, said the matter was being handled in accordance with the law, according to a statement on Feb. 27. Chen added that Taiwan’s “separatists,” including companies and individuals that supported them, will “face severe punishment.”
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) views Taiwan as a part of its territory and is rapidly modernizing its military in an effort to take the island by force or compel it to submit to its rule. The communist regime has labeled anyone who advocates for Taiwan’s sovereignty, particularly members of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), as separatists.
The CCP has imposed sanctions or entry bans on several DPP members in recent years, including current Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Defense Minister Wellington Koo. In January, the Chinese regime added Liu to the list of people subject to an entry ban for alleged separatist activities in connection with “Taiwan independence.”
The Mainland Affairs Council added that the Taiwan government has always been supportive of normal cross-strait exchanges, and Taiwanese who choose to invest or work in China are contributing to cross-strait interaction.
“However, the Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing threats and intimidation only heighten public resentment and caution in Taiwan,” the council added. “The government reminds citizens considering investment or business in China to carefully assess political differences and personal safety risks.”
Liu responded to Ta Kung Pao’s allegations on March 2. According to Taiwan’s national media outlet, Radio Taiwan International, Liu said that her nephew donated 100,000 New Taiwan dollars (about $3,000) to her legislative campaign in 2019. However, Yen only started working in China in 2023, Liu added.
RSF said Ta Kung Pao accused the group of being “anti-China” after RSF issued a statement calling for Lai’s release from prison. RSF added that two Ta Kung Pao articles “were also amplified by other propaganda media.”
“RSF is not anti-China, it is pro-press freedom. This is not about being ‘pro’ or ‘anti’ China, but about being for or against free, pluralistic, and independent media,” Antoine Bernard, director of advocacy and assistance at RSF, said in a statement at the time.
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