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๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Economy & Trade

Taiwanese legislator Hung Tzu-chiung faces backlash over budget cuts, pro-China remarks

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Taiwanese legislator Hung Tzu-chiung has drawn criticism for various controversial actions and statements since taking office.
  • Her actions include proposing budget cuts that impacted sheltered workshops and suggesting the removal of a clause restricting retired generals from engaging in political activities in China.
  • Hung has defended her actions, stating she is unafraid of criticism and is committed to supervising the government.

Hung Tzu-chiung, a legislator from Taiwan's Kuomintang party, has become a frequent target of public anger due to a series of controversial actions and statements since her term began. Her conduct has sparked outrage from various groups and individuals, spanning from personal behavior and budget reviews to legislative proposals.

We are Chinese people, what's wrong with that?

โ€” Hung Tzu-chiungDefending her statement that Taiwanese Olympic athletes' victory was 'Chinese pride'.

In her personal conduct, Hung has faced accusations of cutting in line at a film festival and filming the cinema screen, later deleting the footage after criticism. She also sparked controversy by referring to herself as "Chinese" and celebrating the Olympic victory of Taiwanese badminton players as a "Chinese pride," leading to backlash and her defending her identity.

Budgetary decisions have also drawn ire. Hung proposed significant cuts to the presidential office's discretionary funds, which inadvertently jeopardized orders for 15,000 Mid-Autumn Festival gift boxes from 37 sheltered workshops across Taiwan. This move was condemned by advocacy groups for the intellectually disabled, who called her actions "barbaric" and criticized using vulnerable workers as political pawns.

I am Chinese.

โ€” Hung Tzu-chiungRepeatedly stating her identity, which caused friction with relatives.

Legislatively, Hung proposed amending the "Wu Sze-huai clause" in the "Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area." This proposed amendment would remove penalties for retired generals who participate in political activities in China, sing the Chinese national anthem, or salute the Chinese flag. The proposal raised concerns about national security and was met with significant opposition, even from within her own party, leading to a withdrawal of support.

No matter how barbaric, one should not 'knowingly delete'. Disabled workers should not become victims of political attacks.

โ€” Chinese Association of Parents of Persons with Intellectual DisabilitiesCondemning Hung's proposed budget cuts that affected sheltered workshops.

Responding to the widespread criticism, Hung stated that she stands by her legislative and oversight duties. She asserted that she is not afraid of challenges or rumors, believing that truth and justice will prevail. She reiterated her commitment to supervising the current administration, which she described as a "dictatorial regime."

I am not afraid of others' doubts and challenges, nor am I afraid of rumors. Truth will clear itself, the wise will understand, and justice lies in people's hearts.

โ€” Hung Tzu-chiungResponding to the widespread criticism against her.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.