Taiwan minister slams county chief for joining China's Straits Forum

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng has strongly criticized Taitung County Magistrate Rao Ching-ling for her participation in the Straits Forum, an event he characterized as a platform for China's united front tactics. Rao had previously stated in a pre-recorded video for the forum that over 95% of Taitung's pineapple soursop market is in mainland China, arguing that ignoring this reality would harm farmers' livelihoods.

Chiu condemned Rao's actions, stating that the government had prohibited central and local officials from attending the forum. He noted that Rao's application to participate had been rejected, and her pre-recorded video still constituted participation. The Ministry of the Interior will investigate whether her actions violate the Cross-Strait Act. Chiu also recalled a previous instance where Rao allegedly violated regulations by meeting with China's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Song Tao without authorization.

Chiu further clarified his own past attendance at the forum in 2009, explaining it was for a signing ceremony between two educational institutions while he was teaching at Kinmen University. He emphasized that government officials were not prohibited from attending at the time, and he only briefly observed the event for research purposes, concluding it was a strong united front platform. He stated he has not attended since.

The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between Taiwan's desire to maintain economic ties with mainland China and the government's efforts to counter Beijing's political influence.