Deputy Chairperson of MAC's Vietnam Trip Report Only 70 Characters? Public Party Accuses 'Fake Inspection, Real Tourism!' Shen You-Zhong: 'It Can Stand Scrutiny'

On the morning of July 28, the Public Party's Legislative Yuan caucus held a press conference, accusing the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) of 'fake inspection, real tourism.' Deputy MAC Chairperson Shen You-Zhong visited Vietnam in May this year and subsequently submitted a report of only three pages, with insights and recommendations totaling approximately 70 characters. In response, Shen stated that the version submitted to the Legislative Yuan is a condensed report, while a complete version—around 13,000 characters in length—has been submitted to senior national security officials. He emphasized that all aspects, including itinerary, purpose, outcomes, and expenses, can withstand scrutiny.

Chen Qing-Long, convener of the Public Party's Legislative Yuan caucus, held a press conference today, stating that Deputy Chairperson Shen spent four days in Vietnam in May, but afterward submitted only a three-page report, with the insights and recommendations section amounting to just about 70 characters. He questioned whether this was truly an inspection trip or merely tourism in disguise.

Chen pointed out that the report even includes the phrase 'strengthen Taiwan-Vietnam-China think tank exchanges,' raising concerns: why would a report on a Vietnam trip mention dialogue with China? He suspects it was a copy-paste error where the 'China' character was accidentally left in, and called on the MAC to clarify.

In response, Shen said: 'Our overseas trip reports always have both a condensed and a full version. We fully comply with Legislative Yuan requirements by publishing information transparently online. For classified sections, we submit the condensed version, in accordance with Legislative Yuan guidelines. The three-page version released by the Public Party caucus is the condensed version. We also submitted a full 33-page report, approximately 13,000 characters long, to senior national security officials for their use.'

'From the perspective of our overall national interest, overseas inspections are necessary. The Public Party caucus claims we 'splurged millions,' but in fact, this Vietnam trip cost only NT$144,700. Upon arrival, the Taiwan representative in Vietnam gave us a briefing on Vietnam's national conditions at his residence. That evening, we only had simple boxed meals. On the second and third days, we followed a strict two-point itinerary, meeting with think tanks and key official institutions. Due to mutual understandings with our counterparts, we cannot disclose details, but we met with current and former high-ranking officials.'

Deputy MAC Chairperson Shen You-Zhong stated that the trip's itinerary, purpose, outcomes, and expenses can all withstand scrutiny. (Photo credit: Yang Teng-Kai)

'We conducted substantial exchanges on responding to China's gray-zone conflicts and exploring further cooperation on shared interests between Taiwan and Vietnam. We arrived on the evening of the first day and departed on the morning of the fourth day. Only on the second and third days did we visit four think tanks and one official institution. We also had lunch meetings with investment advisory groups and, on the final day, exchanged views with the Vietnam Taiwan Business Association to understand cross-strait investment and trade issues. All findings have been provided to relevant agencies for reference.'

'All aspects—including itinerary, purpose, outcomes, and expenses—can fully withstand scrutiny.'

When asked by the media whether the 'Taiwan-Vietnam-China think tank' exchange mentioned in the report refers to China, Shen responded: 'This was indeed a suggestion I made. Currently, there are already some exchanges between Taiwan and Chinese think tanks, though limited in number. If we could include a third country—especially given that Taiwan, Vietnam, and China are all parties to gray-zone conflicts in the South China Sea—it would be beneficial to hold academic forums on shared concerns.'

'After we proposed this, Vietnam's official representatives indicated they would seriously consider it. We hope to see scholars from Taiwan, China, and third countries openly and transparently discuss critical issues with the world. This would be beneficial to Taiwan's overall national interests.'