Embarrassment for Lai Qingde? Gift of Cream Puff to US Lawmakers Contains Offensive Connotation, Lawyer Says: Defense Agencies Don't Want to Be Linked to 'That'

Young Kim, Chair of the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation, led a bipartisan delegation to Taiwan. President Lai Qingde presented them with a special co-branded 'cream puff' snack from I-Mei Foods and Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense as a gift. On August 4, lawyer Fang En-ge posted on Facebook criticizing the packaging, which bears the English term 'cream puff,' pointing out that in English, 'cream puff' is a derogatory slang meaning a weak, effeminate man. He stated, 'Essentially, a national defense agency would not want to be associated with the term 'cream puff.'

The delegation led by Kim focused on key issues such as Taiwan's defense reform, increased defense budget, and the review of the Special Act on Unmanned Vehicles. On July 31, President Lai received the delegation at the Presidential Office and posted on social media, 'Old friends reunited, and I once again feel the long-standing, steadfast support from the US Congress for Taiwan.' In addition to exchanging views, Lai prepared several Taiwan-themed gifts.

He specifically highlighted the Han Kuang Exercise commemorative armband, symbolizing Taiwan's firm commitment to defending its freedom and democracy. Another gift was the I-Mei and Ministry of National Defense co-branded 'Thank You, Military' edition cream puffs. This classic Taiwanese snack was redesigned with a military tribute theme, adding sweetness with deeper significance.

However, the English term 'cream puff' on the packaging has sparked controversy. In English, 'cream puff' is often used sarcastically to describe someone weak or lacking substance—particularly inappropriate in a military or defense context. Fang criticized, 'In an international diplomatic setting, using such a term on a product co-branded with the Ministry of National Defense shows a lack of linguistic and cultural sensitivity.'

This incident highlights the importance of cultural awareness in international diplomacy and the risks involved when national defense agencies collaborate with consumer brands.