TAIPEI, Taiwan — A Taiwanese legislator is facing scrutiny after a heated exchange with a Taipei City council member, during which she reportedly referred to him as a “dog.” The incident is the latest development in an ongoing controversy surrounding the legislator’s nationality.
Legislator Li Zhengxiu, of the People’s Party, became visibly upset during a legislative session on Saturday, March 23, 2026, when she was denied the opportunity to question a committee chair. She ultimately had a colleague act as a proxy and during the exchange, described Councilman Chung Hsiao-ping as “that dog… unworthy of being a person,” according to reports. The controversy stems from questions about Li’s citizenship and whether she has properly renounced Chinese nationality.
Late Saturday, Li livestreamed a tearful response to the criticism, accusing Chung of spreading false information. “I only said he was a dog, and now public opinion is scolding me,” she said, visibly distraught. She strongly refuted Chung’s claims that she had not relinquished her Chinese citizenship, stating that such a process has never been successfully completed by a spouse of a Taiwanese citizen. “I have said a hundred times that I am loyal to the Republic of China,” she asserted.
Li accused Chung of repeatedly making false accusations and lamented that the narrative had shifted to focus on her use of harsh language. She appealed for fairness, questioning why she was being criticized for her words while Chung was not held accountable for what she described as misinformation. “Do you want to spot spouses from mainland China treated so poorly, forced into poverty, and forced to submit to you?” she asked during the livestream.
Chung responded to Li’s comments by stating he was “a little dog who needs a microchip implanted,” according to TVBS News. The incident has sparked debate about the appropriate language used by public officials and the challenges faced by spouses immigrating from mainland China. The case highlights the complex political dynamics surrounding cross-strait relations and the ongoing debate over national identity in Taiwan.
Another legislator, Chen Zhaozi, also of the People’s Party, brought up a claim by Chung that a mainland spouse in his circle had successfully given up Chinese citizenship. Li responded, “I’ve said he’s a dog, the media can report that, he’s not a person, he doesn’t deserve to be one!” according to Yahoo News.
Legislator Fan Yun weighed in on the situation, criticizing the spread of false information and emphasizing the importance of upholding ethical obligations. According to the United News Network, she stated that the issue lies in the fabrication of information, not Li’s reaction to it.
