Questions grow over Taipei mayor’s son’s U.S. exchange placement. Aide demands proof

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s son has qualified for a city-funded international exchange program, prompting questions over whether his status gave him an unfair advantage. Chiang said on Wednesday that he would not accept the subsidy tied to the program.

Yin Wei, a key aide to Chiang and head of Taipei’s Research, Development and Evaluation Commission, defended the selection in a radio interview. He said Chiang had clearly stated that he never intervened in the process. If critics believe Chiang Te-li benefited improperly from his identity, Yin said, they should provide specific evidence.

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If there is something improper, critics should provide evidence and point it out clearly.

Yin also rejected claims that the program rules had been rewritten to suit the mayor’s son. The Education Department had previously added wording to clarify responsibility for accommodation, he said, after a student who had obtained entry permission encountered a dispute with a host family arranged through an agency. The change was not made this year and had no connection to Chiang Te-li, Yin said.

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The rule change, whether it was made or not, had nothing to do with Dabao.

Under the program, the Education Department first screens applicants’ eligibility. Students and their families then handle entry permission and accommodation. Yin said the application guidelines had nothing to do with nationality and did not cover the type of entry qualification a student used, as long as the student could enter the United States and arrange accommodation.

Yin said Chiang Te-li found the program himself, decided to apply and passed each stage through his own efforts. He argued that calling this “taking a place” implied the student had no right to compete and pursue an opportunity to see the world. If anyone wants to examine the matter, Yin said, the focus should be on whether Chiang Wan-an played a special role, not on the student’s successful application.

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Is it saying that he should not have the right to work hard, stand out and explore the world?