China Media's Taiwan Handout Criticism Backfires Online, Comments Disabled

Chinese state-affiliated media has criticized Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te's administration over a proposed cash handout, labeling it as "money politics" aimed at influencing upcoming elections. A video posted on Douyin by "Kantaihai," a media outlet under China Central Radio and Television, accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of "spending money to save the election" and engaging in vote-buying.

“

Spending money to save the election

The video cited criticisms from Taiwanese opposition figures, including Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang, who reportedly argued that the proposed NT$10,000 (approximately $300 USD) handout would pressure opposition parties to quickly pass the next year's central government budget. Kantaihai claimed that the Taiwanese public had seen through this tactic.

“

People are asking, why can't we get this money too?

However, the video's comment section on Douyin quickly turned against the outlet. Chinese netizens flooded the comments with questions and criticisms, asking why they couldn't receive such benefits and accusing the outlet of hypocrisy. Many comments expressed envy, with some stating, "If you can't stand them giving money, then you should give it too," and "When will we get money too?" The backlash was so significant that Kantaihai soon disabled the comments section and removed all remarks.

“

If you can't stand them giving money, then you should give it too.

The proposed cash distribution is part of Taiwan's central government's budget for the upcoming year. President Lai's administration stated the budget would balance revenue and expenditure with zero real debt, allocating NT$235.7 billion for the initiative.

“

When will we get money too?