Taipei – Reports indicate that a 4.8 million Fresh Taiwan dollar (approximately $150,000 USD) expense for a recent six-day trip to China by Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Chung Li-wen was submitted to the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) for funding. The TFD affirmed today that the case has not yet entered the verification stage and reiterated its policy against funding activities related to unification or independence.
Funding Request Details
According to a report by Mirror News, the KMT’s six-day visit, which included a meeting with Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping, had an associated cost of 4.8 million New Taiwan dollars. This funding was reportedly requested from the TFD, which was established with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is currently chaired by Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu. The funds had completed internal approval within the TFD and were in the process of being disbursed to the KMT.
The TFD reiterated today that the case remains unverified. The TFD stated it will process the request according to its charter and relevant regulations, based on submitted documentation and a final report from the KMT.
The TFD likewise emphasized that its charter, specifically Article 18, Section 3, prohibits funding for activities related to unification or independence. The matter is receiving public attention, and related reminders and suggestions will be addressed at the next board meeting.
The TFD previously issued a statement noting that the KMT’s application outlined the intention to promote Taiwan’s freedom and democratic ideals in China, and that the TFD processed the request in accordance with the “Political Party Subsidy Project Operating Guidelines.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total cost of Kuomintang Chairwoman Chung Li-wen’s trip to China?
The total cost of the six-day trip was 4.8 million New Taiwan dollars, according to reports.
Has the funding for the trip been finalized?
The TFD stated that the case has not yet entered the verification stage.
What is the TFD’s policy regarding funding activities related to unification or independence?
The TFD’s charter prohibits funding for activities related to unification or independence.
As the TFD reviews the KMT’s funding request, what implications might the outcome have for future cross-party interactions and funding allocations?
