Taipei Mayor Criticizes Mainland Affairs Council Over Straits Forum Probe

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has publicly criticized the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) for what he termed "overreach" in its investigation of Taitung County Magistrate Rao Ching-ling's participation in the Straits Forum. Chiang asserted that the MAC owes Rao an apology following the council's decision not to penalize her.

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Will the MAC not overstep its bounds?

The controversy arose when Rao Ching-ling participated in the Straits Forum, a large-scale cross-strait exchange event organized by Beijing, by submitting a pre-recorded video. The MAC had previously warned against participation by central and local government officials. However, after reviewing Rao's video, which primarily consisted of greetings and agricultural product promotion, the MAC concluded that her actions did not constitute a violation of regulations and decided against imposing any penalties.

Chiang Wan-an questioned the MAC's initial stance, asking if promoting Taitung's famous custard apples constituted "selling out Taiwan." He argued that it was unreasonable for the MAC to investigate a local official for promoting regional produce. "Will the MAC not overstep its bounds?" Chiang asked during a press conference in Yilan.

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This matter from beginning to end does not concern Mayor Chiang. Is it too much to manage from Taipei to Taitung?

Responding to Chiang's remarks, MAC Deputy Minister and Spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh defended the council's actions. Liang stated that the investigation was handled appropriately and questioned Chiang's intervention in a matter concerning Taitung County. "This matter from beginning to end does not concern Mayor Chiang. Is it too much to manage from Taipei to Taitung?" Liang retorted, emphasizing that the MAC's decision was based on the content of Rao's participation, which was deemed non-political.

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Did selling custard apples become 'selling out Taiwan'?