'Wen-chien Liang is my friend!' Former DPP 'Lai faction' official exposed for business talks in mainland China, claims connections in high places: Liang Wen-jie says 'we have this kind of relationship'

According to a weekly report, Li Tui-zhi, a former vice chair of Taiwan's Council of Agriculture and DPP member, has made several trips to mainland China this year for business negotiations. Personnel from China's Taiwan Affairs Office were reportedly present at these meetings, triggering national security concerns over sensitive 'red connections.' Li Tui-zhi allegedly told business circles that he has been close friends with Mainland Affairs Council Vice Chair Liang Wen-jie since university and can assist Taiwanese businesses in resolving difficult issues through official channels. Liang Wen-jie acknowledged that they were university classmates but stated he is unaware of Li's current business activities and has never been approached by him regarding cross-strait matters or Taiwanese businesses. The Mirror Weekly reported that Li Tui-zhi has traveled to China this year for coffee stall exhibition participation. However, he denied bringing any business representatives or using the names of President Lai Qing-te or Vice Chair Liang Wen-jie to resolve business issues. Lai Qing-te promoted Li Tui-zhi to the position of Council of Agriculture Vice Chair when forming his cabinet in Taipei in 2017. During the 'Ying-Lai rivalry' between Tsai Ing-wen and Lai Qing-te, Li served as a key spokesperson trusted by Lai. The Mirror Weekly highlighted three sensitive identities of Li Tui-zhi: first, his past role as a DPP government official; second, his affiliation with the 'Lai faction'; and third, his former position as vice chair of the Council of Agriculture. These factors may have made him a high-interest target for recruitment or contact by officials from China's Taiwan Affairs Office. Liang Wen-jie confirmed that he and Li Tui-zhi were classmates in university but stated he is unaware of Li's current work and has never heard him mention anything about mainland China or Taiwanese businesses.