TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) defended her decision on Wednesday (Sept. 11) to livestream the rescue of an Air Force pilot on social media.
Kuan emphasized that the collaborative efforts of the Coast Guard Administration and military personnel, alongside the support from concerned citizens, ensured the pilot's safe recovery.
The incident occurred during a night training mission on Tuesday when an Air Force Mirage-2000 jet malfunctioned, forcing Captain Hsieh Pei-hsun (謝沛勳) to eject. Kuan described the rescue as a touching conclusion to an unfortunate event, highlighting the unity among Taiwanese people.
Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Legislator Ma Wen-chun (馬文君) criticized Kuan for live-streaming the rescue and prematurely announcing its success while rescuers were still engaged. Ma noted that Hsieh was expected to arrive at Hsinchu Fishing Port at 1:20 a.m. on Sept. 11, but due to complications, he was transported to Taichung Port and then to Tungs' Taichung Metro Harbor Hospital, causing a two-hour delay.
Kuan responded to Ma's criticism, expressing sympathy rather than anger over the spread of misinformation. She hoped that the emotional impact of the night would cleanse any misunderstandings. Kuan remarked that during those hours, all of Taiwan awaited the safe return of their "child" as if they were one family.
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) quickly relayed his gratitude to the Coast Guard Administration through Kuan after the successful rescue. Kuan reiterated her sympathy for the confusion caused by misinformation, emphasizing the importance of unity and accurate information.