TAIPEI, Taiwan — A Taiwanese lawmaker at the center of corruption and national security concerns has sparked controversy with an unexpected defense of a colleague facing similar scrutiny. The debate highlights divisions within Taiwan’s political landscape as the island navigates complex relationships with China.
Independent Legislator Kao Chin-su-mei has been embroiled in allegations of impropriety, coupled with questions about her ties to the Kuomintang (KMT) party and close collaboration within the legislature. These issues have drawn criticism from members of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). However, DPP Legislator Wang Shih-chien has publicly defended Kao, referring to her as a “Taiwanese advocate,” a statement that has angered some within his own party.
Wang Shih-chien initially attempted to quell the backlash by invoking a past statement from former President Tsai Ing-wen – “no one needs to apologize for their identity.” But Yang Chang-zhen, a former head of the Council of Hakka Affairs who previously served in the Tsai administration, strongly disagreed, stating, “This politician is not one of my comrades.”
Responding to the criticism on Thursday, February 14, 2026, Wang Shih-chien asserted, “Everyone can choose for themselves whether they are comrades!” He added that while behavior should be governed by law in a democratic society, “the soul is not subject to law.” He explained that laws and regulations are necessary to ensure mutual respect by controlling external actions. He reiterated that if Kao Chin-su-mei engaged in any activities or received benefits from the Chinese Communist Party, such as vaccine subsidies or disaster relief funds, those actions should be subject to legal constraints, as he has previously stated.
民進黨立委王世堅。（圖／民視新聞）
Wang Shih-chien also emphasized his belief that the judicial and investigative authorities would not pursue the case without legitimate grounds for suspicion. He urged Kao to “bravely face the situation and explain everything clearly,” stating that such actions are subject to legal constraints.
He further argued that controlling thoughts is akin to ideological control, questioning, “Who has the right to examine another person’s thoughts and beliefs? If we start examining others’ ideologies, what difference would we be from Xi Jinping?” Wang Shih-chien continued, asserting that opposing Chinese leadership and the Chinese Communist Party should not lead to adopting similar tactics.
民進黨立委王世堅。（圖／民視新聞）
Wang Shih-chien stressed that Taiwan’s strength lies in its democratic values of equality, freedom, diversity, and inclusion. He criticized those who have been critical of him, describing them as self-appointed “teachers and masters” who presume to define what others believe.
He stated he was reluctant to criticize them, fearing he would become like them, and that Taiwan would lose its identity. He also questioned why it was wrong to advocate for strengthening the “Taiwanese faction,” arguing that a stronger Taiwan is better equipped to counter China and establish itself on the world stage. He suggested embracing even those with only partial commitment to Taiwan, fostering unity rather than division.
Wang Shih-chien explained that his reference to Tsai Ing-wen’s quote was meant to convey the idea that no one in Taiwan should be forced to apologize for their identity. He added, “I believe this now, and I believed it in the past. I hope they will think carefully!” He also noted that several of his critics are candidates for city council, suggesting their motivations may be politically driven, and urged them to reflect after the election.
Having supported the DPP since its inception, Wang Shih-chien emphasized the importance of unity for Taiwan’s success on the global stage.
原文出處：快新聞／王世堅震怒！續挺高金狠嗆「靈魂不受法律管」：別像習近平思想檢查
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