Preview

Taiwan probes senior official who deals with China over bribery suspicions

Please log in to download this media. Not registered? Register now!
Metadata
  • Taiwan probes senior official who deals with China over bribery suspicions
  • July 6, 2024
  • Article Body Text TAIPEI — <p>Taiwan prosecutors said on Saturday they were investigating a senior official and member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party who deals with China on suspicion of bribery. He said he had done nothing wrong. </p> <p>Cheng Wen-tsan is head of the Straits Exchange Foundation under the China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council that deals with day-to-day issues like accidents involving Taiwanese in China. The foundation is technically private because the governments in Beijing and Taipei do not recognize each other or have any official relations. </p> <p>Prosecutors in the northern Taiwanese city of Taoyuan, where Cheng was mayor from 2014-2022, said he had been summoned for questioning on Friday on bribery suspicions and that they had applied to a court to detain him. </p> <figure><img src="https://gdb.voanews.com/01000000-0aff-0242-4b49-08dc9dd12638_cx0_cy13_cw42_w1600_r1_n_s.jpg" /><figcaption>FILE - Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan attends a ceremony for the donation of medical supplies to India to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Taipei, Taiwan May 5, 2021.</figcaption></figure> <p>It did not give details of the allegations against him. </p> <p>Cheng, in a statement issued via his lawyer and released by the foundation, denied wrongdoing. </p> <p>&quot;I have not committed any illegal acts, and I will cooperate with the judicial investigation. I hope to clarify the truth and prove my innocence as soon as possible,&quot; he said. </p> <p>Taiwan's presidential office said it respects the judiciary and hopes investigators will clarify the matter as soon as possible.</p>
  • Content Type Text
  • Language English
  • NewsML Media Topics Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
  • Subtitles / Dubbing Available No
  • Network VOA
  • Embargo Date July 6, 2024 11:50 EDT
  • Byline Reuters
  • Brand / Language Service Voice of America - English
Related records