MOFA Urges Rational View of Taiwan-India Ties Amid Candidate's Controversial Billboard

TAIPEI, May 21 (CNA) — A campaign billboard by Kaohsiung city council candidate Li Hong-yi, which features a symbol perceived as 'banning Indians,' has sparked a discrimination controversy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated today that it does not interfere with or comment on domestic party election activities, expressing confidence that the majority of the public can view the development of Taiwan-India relations with rationality, tolerance, and goodwill. Media reports indicated that Li Hong-yi, who is the head of Gangming village in Siaogang District and intends to run for Kaohsiung city council, displayed a campaign billboard showing a stereotypical image of a turban-wearing Indian, the southern district incinerator, and a national defense handbook, all marked with a 'prohibition symbol,' leading to a debate over racial discrimination. In response to a query from CNA this morning, MOFA stated that it does not interfere with or comment on matters related to domestic party election campaigns. It reiterated and emphasized that the substantive relationship between Taiwan and India is close, with bilateral exchanges continuously growing in recent years and cooperation gradually deepening in many areas. MOFA stressed that Taiwan is pleased to see continued growth in personnel interaction, economic and trade cooperation, and cultural exchanges in Taiwan-India relations. It also believes that the vast majority of people in both societies can view the deepening and development of bilateral relations with rationality, tolerance, and goodwill. (Editor: Su Lung-chi) 1150521