On August 20th, honorary personnel in the Greater New York area and representatives of overseas Chinese held a press conference releasing a joint statement titled “Guarding the Lifeline of the Nation, Rejecting Political Paralysis.” They criticized the significant cuts and freezing of funds related to the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission by the Taiwanese Legislative Yuan, expressing concerns that this may impact overseas compatriot affairs, Chinese language education, and Taiwanese business networks. They openly voiced support for the Chairperson of the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, Hsu Chia-ching, to continue deeply engaging with overseas compatriot communities and listening to their needs.
The original budget for the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission for the 115th year was allocated at 26.4 billion New Taiwan Dollars. Recently, certain political parties and representatives raised questions regarding Chairperson Hsu Chia-ching’s overseas travel itinerary. During the budget review and voting in the Legislative Yuan, temporary proposals were put forward resulting in the complete elimination of special support funds, a 70% cut in travel expenses, and a 60% cut in media promotion funds for the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission.
The joint statement was initiated by Su Chun-huai, advisor to the Office of the President of the Republic of China, National Policy Advisor Chuang Chen-hui, and Fan Feng-chung, as well as Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commissioners Hsiao Kuei-yuan, Chiang Chun-lin, Cheng Chi-cheng, Chung Wen-chung, Chu Yueh-mei, and Hsu Po-cheng. During the press conference, the aforementioned individuals, as well as Overseas Compatriot Affairs Advisory Commissioners Lin Ying-chun, Dai Sung-chang, Yang Yu-shu, Overseas Compatriot Affairs Consultant Tsai Ching-hui, and Overseas Compatriot Affairs Promotion Commissioner Chi Ching-hua, delivered speeches emphasizing that overseas compatriot affairs are an extension of national strength and should not become sacrifices in political power struggles.
The joint statement presented three key points: Firstly, it emphasized the importance of not tarnishing or distorting facts, highlighting Chairperson Hsu Chia-ching’s dedication in visiting various overseas compatriot communities globally, listening to the grassroots voices of overseas compatriots, showing genuine enthusiasm. Their visits, along with their colleagues, adhere to principles of simplicity and frugality, even voluntarily choosing economy class and foregoing formalities. Distorting facts would unjustly harm the frontline colleagues in overseas compatriot affairs, “chilling the hearts of globally selflessly devoted compatriots.”
Secondly, the abrupt budget cuts will directly paralyze overseas compatriot affairs and national interests, severely impacting the welfare of global compatriots, impairing overseas Chinese language education and the maintenance of global Taiwanese business networks. The victims are not just a single official but all those fighting alone overseas to expand Taiwan’s living space; this is akin to self-destructing the Great Wall, severing the international connections of the Republic of China with the world.
Thirdly, parliamentary oversight should return to rational facts, cease internal conflicts, and avoid depleting national strength. Overseas compatriots’ love for the Republic of China and support for Taiwan’s democracy and freedom remain steadfast, transcending political divides and rejecting being torn apart.
Organizer and Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commissioner Chung Wen-chung stated that compatriots support parliamentary oversight but oppose political strife, urging a return to professional budget management, halting internal conflicts, and collectively safeguarding Taiwan’s interests.
Advisor Su Chun-huai mentioned having had multiple interactions with Hsu Chia-ching and believes that criticisms are “inconsistent with the facts.” He emphasized the crucial importance of overseas compatriot affairs to Taiwan and deemed cutting the overseas compatriot affairs budget highly unwise. National Policy Advisor Chuang Chen-hui stated, “She is not here for leisure but to work for Taiwan’s benefit, doing things that are advantageous to Taiwan.”
Jiang Chun-lin mentioned, “The Chinese Communist Party is investing significant resources worldwide in united front work. What we need to do is bolster Taiwan’s overseas influence, not tie the hands and feet of frontline compatriot affairs personnel with political mudslinging. Faced with such a powerful force from the Chinese Communist Party, cutting the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission’s budget, is it helping or dragging Taiwan down?”
Cheng Chi-cheng pointed out that without Taiwan, there is no representation of democracy and freedom in the entire Chinese community; Chinese Communist Party infiltration touches every aspect, and paralyzing Taiwan’s overseas compatriot affairs raises suspicions about whether the Legislative Yuan has been infiltrated.
Overseas Compatriot Affairs Advisory Commissioner Lin Ying-chun indicated that mainland China is spending huge sums to influence overseas opinion, with some overseas Chinese associations having their flags replaced. Therefore, Taiwan needs to maintain connections with overseas compatriot communities instead of weakening its own resources. Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commissioner Chu Yueh-mei expressed that Hsu Chia-ching’s visits abroad aim to understand the operation of overseas compatriot affairs in various regions, and freezing funds prevents the Chairperson from carrying out the necessary work.
Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commissioner Hsu Po-cheng cited years of advocating for Taiwan’s accession to the United Nations as an example, where overseas compatriots can speak on the international stage, underscoring the long-term cooperation needed between the overseas Chinese community and the compatriot affairs system.
Overseas Compatriot Affairs Advisory Commissioner Dai Sung-chang highlighted how local American officials continue to support Taiwan’s democracy and freedom through various means, emphasizing that overseas education and youth exchanges are crucial in accumulating overseas support.
The participants stressed that they are not against the Legislative Yuan supervising the government’s budget but hope that oversight is based on concrete facts and the actual needs of overseas compatriot affairs work to prevent political attacks from directly affecting overseas Chinese education, Taiwanese business connections, and community services.