TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 陸委會) clarified on Wednesday (April 30) that their investigation targets organizations collaborating with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) agencies, not Taipei First Girls' High School Chinese literature teacher Alice Ou (區桂芝) personally, urging the public not to misinterpret the situation.
In a statement earlier that day, the MAC addressed concerns surrounding recent public reports about Ou's involvement in promoting a controversial essay contest that led to government scrutiny. It revealed that the essay contest was co-hosted by the "Zhang Fa Society" (章法學會) and CCP agencies. Participants, irrespective of winning, receive sponsored trips to China, which deviates from typical exchange protocols. The arrangement allegedly violates Article 33-1 of the "Cross-Strait Act" (兩岸條例), prompting the Ministry of Education (教育部) to investigate.
MAC emphasized that the essay contest, now in its second year, serves as a CCP united front activity, evident from its attendees, discussions, and itineraries. The government, they stated, must inform the public of potential united front risks and address any legal violations accordingly.
Ma Ying-jeou Foundation director Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑) criticized the government, claiming it unfairly targets a high school teacher while ignoring more severe issues. MAC responded, reiterating that their focus remains on organizations, not individuals, and highlighted the political nature of the Cross-Strait Act's Article 33-1.
Hsiao further accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) of hypocrisy, alleging involvement in espionage cases while ignoring high-level implications. He condemned the administration's actions against a teacher simply encouraging student participation in the contest.
