Canadian Taiwanese Officials Defend Hsu Chih-ching Amid Travel Criticism

Overseas Taiwanese affairs officials in Canada have issued a joint statement defending Hsu Chih-ching, chair of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), against criticism for her overseas travel. The officials assert that accusations of her trips being mere tourism are factually incorrect and misunderstand the vital role of the OCAC.

The statement argues that the OCAC's function is multifaceted, encompassing not only serving overseas communities but also consolidating their strength and maintaining Taiwan's global connections. These intangible values, they contend, cannot be solely quantified by the duration or cost of travel. The officials stressed that effective overseas affairs work requires direct, face-to-face interaction with communities, especially in a vast country like Canada with diverse overseas Chinese populations.

"Overseas affairs are not paper-based work; only by personally visiting overseas communities and interacting with overseas Chinese face-to-face can one truly understand grassroots conditions," the statement reads. It highlights that personal visits by OCAC leaders to traditional communities, groups, schools, Taiwanese businesses, youth, and local mainstream society are essential for gathering firsthand information and demonstrating the government's commitment.

Wu Ching-kuei, president of the Taiwanese Association of Greater Vancouver, shared a personal anecdote about Hsu's visit to their 60th-anniversary event. She noted Hsu's packed schedule over a short period and her subsequent visit to Seattle, emphasizing the effort and dedication that overseas affairs personnel undertake. Wu asserted that frontline participation in overseas affairs work reveals the necessity of engaging directly with communities rather than relying solely on written reports.

The statement concludes by inviting others to join in supporting practical and in-depth overseas affairs work and Hsu Chih-ching's continued service to overseas Taiwanese. The officials maintain that while legislative oversight and scrutiny of public funds are important, such supervision must be based on complete information and verified facts.