Is Selling Fruit to Mainland China Forbidden? Why Can New Tide Faction Visit? Wang Hung-wei Questions Green Camp Leaders on Cross-Strait Travel

On August 5, legislator Wang Hung-wei questioned during a Legislative Yuan session whether there is a double standard in cross-strait exchanges, pointing out that Hung Chi-chang, former chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), and Lee Tui-zhi, former deputy minister of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), both affiliated with the DPP's New Tide faction, have recently been disclosed to have traveled to mainland China for exchanges. In contrast, agricultural associations face criticism for selling fruit in the mainland. Wang asked, "If both are private citizens, why is one allowed while the other is not? Is it up to the New Tide faction to decide what constitutes united front work or not?"

Wang highlighted recent media reports that Lee Tui-zhi, known as a close associate of Lai Qing-te and a university classmate of Liang Wen-chieh, was seen engaging in cross-strait activities and possibly receiving special attention from the mainland side. She asked the MAC whether it had any information on these activities.

Chiu Chui-cheng, Minister of the MAC, responded that Lee did not notify the council of his trip, but since his travel restriction period had expired, no legal violation occurred. "We understand he may have attended an exhibition, but there is no evidence of legal breach," Chiu said.

Wang further questioned whether the MAC had investigated Hung Chi-chang, a founding member of the DPP and former head of the New Tide faction, who has frequently visited the mainland in recent years and even led delegations. Hung was a guest at the Beijing-Taiwan Technology Forum in both 2024 and 2025.

Chiu stated that the MAC had contacted Hung and reminded him of relevant regulations. "Hung is well aware of the rules, having served as SEF chairman. Currently, we have no evidence that he violated cross-strait regulations."

Wang criticized the inconsistency: "Why is it acceptable for Lai Qing-te's close associates to travel freely, while agricultural groups face backlash for selling fruit? If Hung and Lee can move freely between the two sides, why can't others participate in forums like the Beijing-Taiwan Technology Forum? The definition of united front work cannot be dictated solely by the New Tide faction. There must be no double standards."

Chiu clarified that the MAC only prohibits selling products at the Straits Forum, which is explicitly a united front platform. "Other exchanges are permitted. As for the Beijing-Taiwan Technology Forum, its nature is more complex. Whether it constitutes united front work must be determined based on facts. We will continue to monitor and assess."

Wang emphasized that the criteria for identifying united front activities must be transparent and uniformly applied, warning against allowing any political faction to control the narrative on cross-strait engagement.