Taiwan probes county chief's cross-strait forum video appearance; legislator slams probe as 'abuse of power'

Tensions flared in Taiwan as the ruling party initiated an investigation into Taitung County Magistrate Rao Qingling for her participation in the cross-strait forum via pre-recorded video. Officials stated that even a video collaboration could violate the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, and the matter would be handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture for review.

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If participating in the forum can help sell agricultural products, then what's wrong with that?

Kuomintang legislator Niu Hsu-ting vehemently opposed the investigation, questioning the government's stance. "If participating in the forum can help sell agricultural products, then what's wrong with that?" he asked, defending Rao's actions as beneficial for farmers. He accused the Lai Ching-te administration of being an "infantile government" and a "shameless government" that abuses its power.

Rao Qingling emphasized her primary concern is ensuring that the hard work of her constituents receives due recognition and reward. The cross-strait forum, a major platform for Beijing's outreach to Taiwan, took place in Xiamen. The investigation into Rao's participation highlights the ongoing political sensitivities surrounding cross-strait exchanges.

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The ruling party is an infantile government and a shameless government that abuses its power.

Niu further criticized the ruling party's "resist China, protect Taiwan" rhetoric as a deceptive tactic to win votes, pointing to a series of scandals that have eroded public trust. He urged the Kuomintang not to suffer from "post-traumatic stress disorder" due to this rhetoric and to boldly articulate their own views on cross-strait relations, believing the Taiwanese people are wise enough to discern the truth.

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The ruling party's 'resist China, protect Taiwan' rhetoric is a deceptive tactic to win votes.