Taiwan official urges legislative wins to protect budget amid political tensions

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh has criticized proposed budget cuts by opposition legislators, particularly KMT legislator Hung Tzu-yung, who suggested eliminating the MAC's entire media promotion budget. Liang argued that China's budget for Taiwan is immeasurable and stressed the importance of winning upcoming legislative elections to safeguard the MAC's funding.

Liang made these remarks at the opening of the "Dear Taiwan" exhibition in Taipei. The event, co-organized by the Koo Foundation and the North Sea Democratic Resilience Association, commemorates significant events in Taiwan's society. Attendees included MAC Deputy Minister Liang, DPP legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung, Koo Foundation Chairperson Wang Mei-hsiu, and human rights activist Lee Ming-che.

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Everyone knows that the Chinese Communist Party's budget for Taiwan is immeasurable. I hope we can win the Legislative Yuan properly, and then the MAC's budget can be preserved.

Wang Mei-hsiu highlighted the importance of documenting Taiwan's history and social movements, drawing parallels with Ukraine's resilience against Russian invasion. She urged Taiwanese citizens to stand up for their homeland, believing that even a fraction of the population's resolve could inspire broader support. Wang criticized certain legislators from the KMT and TPP parties for allegedly harming democracy and colluding with China, emphasizing the critical nature of the upcoming elections to prevent Taiwan from becoming like Hong Kong.

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If we don't protect Taiwan, Taiwan will gradually move towards Hong Kong.

DPP legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung echoed the sentiment, stating that as a Taiwanese citizen, she cares deeply about her country. She described the exhibition as a love letter to Taiwan, urging people to vote to protect their homeland. Taipei City Councilor Yen Jo-fang added that democracy in Taiwan is hard-won and must be passed down, referencing past student movements like the Wild Lily and Sunflower movements. She expressed confidence that Taiwanese people will use their votes to remove those who undermine democracy from the legislature.

Liang Wen-chieh acknowledged the somber mood but urged everyone to remain steadfast in their respective roles. He noted that while recall mechanisms are a unique Taiwanese system, elections are paramount. He expressed hope that the ruling party would secure necessary victories in the upcoming elections to protect the MAC's budget, particularly against proposals to cut all media promotion funds, stating that even if he were the only voice left, he would continue to fight.

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The most important thing is the election. I hope that in the elections at the end of this year, we will win what we should win and hold onto what we should hold onto. We must win by a larger margin.