This Week in Taiwan 0825-0831
August 26:
The Kuomintang (KMT) former central headquarters was deemed improperly acquired property by the Ill-gotten Party Assets Settlement Committee (CIPAS), which demanded a recovery of NT$1.13 billion (about US$35 million) from the sale. The KMT filed an administrative lawsuit and won the first trial. Additionally, the Broadcasting Corporation of China (BCC) was identified as an affiliated organization of the KMT and faced a recovery demand of NT$7.7 billion (about US$239 million), but CIPAS also lost this case. Despite three consecutive losses, CIPAS can still appeal.
The KMT stated that these losses prove that the judicial recovery and frivolous lawsuits brought by CIPAS are politically motivated and lack legitimacy.
August 26:
President Lai Ching-te, who concurrently serves as chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), instructed DPP Secretary-General Lin You-chang to visit the United States on August 31. Lin will meet with American officials and think tanks in Washington to explain key points of U.S.-Taiwan relations and Taiwan's major policies. He will also visit overseas compatriots on both coasts. Lin is the first DPP official to have a public itinerary in the United States since President Lai took office.
Additionally, Financial Times revealed that Secretary-General Joseph Wu of the National Security Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung visited the United States in the middle of August for "special channel" talks with high-level officials.
August 27:
This year, Taiwan reinstated one-year compulsory military service, with the first batch of conscripts completing their training and being assigned to the Army Infantry Guard Brigade. However, four infantry battalion officers leading these conscripts filed a petition to the Legislative Yuan, stating that the units lack equipment and cannot conduct basic training, alarming the Ministry of National Defense and national security agencies.
August 27:
According to Reuters, an internal unpublished report from Taiwan reveals that mainland China spent approximately $15 billion on various exercises in the Western Pacific in 2023, equivalent to 7 percent of its total defense budget. The report cited anonymous seniro Taiwanese officials who believe that the mainland Chinese military aims to gain control west of the first island chain.
August 28:
Cheng Wen-tsan, who formerly served as Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) chairman and vice premier, was accused of accepting bribes during his tenure as mayor of Taoyuan, involving a national and development project. Criticizing him for dishonring his office, the prosecution charged Cheng with bribery and other offenses, seeking a 12-year sentence. Investigators also found multiple undeclared properties owned by Cheng, leading to a separate investigation into unexplained sources of his wealth. The case was referred to the Control Yuan to determine if there were violations of the Political Donations Act.
The court set bail at NT$28 million (about US$870,000) with restrictions on residence and travel for eight months and contact with co-defendants.
August 28:
Minister of Transportation and Communications Li Meng-yen resigned due to an extra=marital affair, and Spokesman Chen Shi-kai of the Executive Yuan was appointed as his successor. Chen, who lacks a background in transportation, surprised many with the appointment. The Taiwan Railways Union questioned whether this personnel decision indicates President Lai's partial abandonment of transportation reform. Chen belongs to the DPP's New Tide faction and is a key figure in the party's mid-generation. He also served as spokesman for Lai's 2024 presidential campaign.
August 31:
The 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders Meeting concluded, reaffirming Taiwan's participation under the name "Taiwan/ Republic of China." However, mainland Chinese envoy Qian Bo condemned this and demanded a correction. Due to apparent pressure from Beijing, the PIF website removed the original full next of the communiqué on the evening of August 30. When it was re-uploaded on August 31, the text reaffirming Taiwan's participation status was completely removed.
September 1:
Chairman Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) is charged with profiteering by increasing the floor area of the Living Mall project during his tenure as Taipei mayor. After detaining Wei Ching Group Chairman Shen Ching-ching and Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei, prosecutors and investigators searched Ko's residence, office, and TPP central headquarters on August 30 and summoned Ko as a defendant. Although the prosecution requested his detention and isolation from communication, the court ruled to release Ko without bail.