Ex-Taipei Spokesperson Accused of Working for China's United Front Organization

Taipei City Hall spokesperson Lee Cheng-hsuan resigned on August 10, citing personal career plans, only to be implicated the next day in a procurement leak case in Taichung City. Adding to the controversy, Taipei City Councilor candidate Ma Yu-wen revealed that Lee had worked for a Chinese Communist Party united front organization for half a year. During his tenure, Lee reportedly praised Beijing, stating that developing a career in mainland China was a symbol of great success.

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The "Entrepreneurship Center" is indeed a united front organization, and there is no doubt about this.

Taipei City Government's Research, Development and Evaluation Commission Chairman Yin Wei countered by suggesting that Lee was labeled as engaging in united front activities simply for being an exchange student in China, criticizing the Democratic Progressive Party for changing its standards based on political affiliation. However, York University associate professor Shen Rong-chin analyzed the situation, stating that the "Entrepreneurship Center" Lee claimed to work for is indeed a united front organization. Shen pointed out that the "Entrepreneurship Center," officially known as the "Taiwan Youth Entrepreneurship Station" under "Entrepreneurship Public," was jointly guided by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the Taiwan Affairs Office of Beijing Municipality, and the Zhongguancun Administrative Committee.

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However, Lee Cheng-hsuan's situation is somewhat different. According to Ma Yu-wen, Lee was not just starting a business there but was working there, later serving as the special assistant to the head of the Taiwan section.

Shen explained that the "Entrepreneurship Public" is not a private entity but is directed by the Beijing Municipal Taiwan Affairs Office. Therefore, calling it a united front institution is accurate. While participating in united front activities does not automatically equate to engaging in united front work, Shen noted that according to Ma Yu-wen, Lee was not just starting a business there but was employed and served as an assistant to the head of the Taiwan section. This suggests Lee was actively working to attract Taiwanese individuals, which constitutes united front work. Shen concluded that Yin Wei's defense of Lee was entirely incorrect.

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Therefore, Lee Cheng-hsuan was indeed engaged in work to attract Taiwanese people, which is united front work.

Shen further elaborated on how united front organizations operate, citing examples like the "China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification" and universities like Jinan University. He referenced a recent incident where Jinan University was identified as part of China's "united front network" by Stanford University's SeaLight project. Taiwan's Ministry of Education also designated Jinan University and Huaqiao University as "united front schools" directly under the CCP's United Front Work Department, highlighting their special political objectives rather than purely academic pursuits. Shen emphasized that these institutions, like the "Entrepreneurship Center," act as fronts for the CCP's united front efforts.

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Yin Wei's defense of Lee Cheng-hsuan is completely wrong.