TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss' visit to Taiwan in May for a speaking engagement has ignited controversy, with the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party criticizing President Tsai Ing-wen's administration for using Taiwanese taxpayers' money for domestic propaganda.
The expenditure related to Truss' visit has become a focal point of contention. The total cost of Truss's trip to Taiwan amounted to approximately NT$3.5 million. The Prospect Foundation, an affiliate organization of the National Security Bureau, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided the funding.
Amid the scrutiny surrounding Truss' visit, Premier Chen Chien-jen emphasized on July 3 that the expenses were in line with the regulations for inviting foreign guests to Taiwan for speaking engagements and visits.
Speaking at the Taiwan-U.S. 21st Century Medical Cooperation Forum opening ceremony, he urged the public to refrain from unnecessary speculation, citing clarifications already provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.