Taipei spokesperson resigns amid allegations of procurement leak, ties to Chinese United Front agency

Taipei City Government spokesperson Li Cheng-hsuan has resigned, citing personal career plans. However, his departure quickly became embroiled in controversy following allegations of involvement in a procurement leak case in Taichung, where he was previously a secretary for then-Mayor Lu Shiow-yen. Li was reportedly released on bail of NT$300,000 (approximately $9,500 USD) in connection with the Taichung case.

Adding to the controversy, Taipei City Councilor candidate Ma Yu-wen claimed Li had also worked for an organization affiliated with China's United Front. Ma expressed alarm that someone with such a background could serve as a spokesperson for Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, questioning the security implications.

Ma further alleged that Li worked for six months at a "Taiwanese section" of a Beijing-based "Entrepreneurship China" incubator, which she described as a United Front organization disguised as a youth entrepreneurship initiative. This incubator reportedly offered Taiwanese startups free office space and assistance, and was guided by Chinese government bodies like the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

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In Taipei City, there is a spokesperson who once worked in a United Front organization, how terrifying is that?

Reports from a decade ago, cited by Ma, described similar Chinese youth entrepreneurship programs as attempts to "buy over" young Taiwanese, a key demographic. Ma suggested that Li's resignation might have been prompted by the impending revelation of the procurement leak case, but emphasized her primary concern remains his past association with an organization she identifies as a United Front entity while serving in a sensitive government role.

As of the time of reporting, Li Cheng-hsuan could not be reached for comment, with his phone calls unanswered and messages unread.

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Li Cheng-hsuan was not a target of the United Front, but a Taiwanese person who assisted the United Front.