Taitung magistrate's China forum appearance sparks political row

Taitung County Magistrate Raou Ching-ling's participation in the Straits Forum via a pre-recorded video has drawn scrutiny from Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, which is considering an investigation for potential violations of cross-strait regulations. Raou had stated that over 95% of Taitung's wax apples and persimmons are exported to China, expressing a hope that these fruits would transcend political divides.

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I sincerely hope that wax apples and persimmons do not distinguish between blue and green.

However, former legislator Lai Kun-cheng sharply criticized Raou's move. He argued that wax apples and persimmons are not yet in season, and their future harvest is uncertain. Lai accused Raou of using the farmers' rights as a pretext to align with China's united front efforts, asserting that the fruit's fate with Chinese buyers was already decided long ago. He urged against using the fruit as a political tool or scapegoat.

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The wax apple and persimmon season has not even begun, and we don't know how the harvest will be. Yet, you are using the banner of farmers' rights to high-profile echo China's united front stage. Frankly, the wax apple and persimmon are just political tools, and China's decision not to buy was made long ago. I call on you not to drag others down, not to use wax apples and persimmons as a scapegoat.

Lai highlighted that the Council of Agriculture had allocated over 1 billion NT dollars in subsidies for wax apples and persimmons in 2021 and 2022, the highest ever for a single fruit, which had previously caused resentment among farmers in other counties. He stated that while the effectiveness of these funds could be debated, the central government's sincerity was unquestionable and that support was provided without political bias.

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The central government has absolutely shown sincerity, and it is absolutely without regard to blue or green. The numbers speak for themselves, so please do not make baseless accusations.

Lai contrasted Taitung's approach with that of Tainan, where the mayor actively collaborates with agricultural and economic agencies, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, and traders to address sales issues. He criticized Taitung's tendency to immediately attack the central government, creating a narrative of being bullied, which he finds repetitive and counterproductive. Lai urged Raou to cooperate with the central government to develop alternative markets rather than falling into China's

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Taitung is often the first to criticize the central government at press conferences, creating a sense of being bullied and stepping forward as a defender. When this tactic is used for too long, it not only numbs people but even causes revulsion.