The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan's region are under scrutiny following reports that a $2 million fund intended for housing indigenous families in Paraguay was misused. Local media on Thursday highlighted that the Paraguayan government attempted to allocate part of the donated funds to repair the president's private airplane and helicopter.
According to Taiwan's United Daily News, citing Paraguayan media agencies, the DPP authorities had approved the use of the funds. However, the Paraguayan presidential office has denied carrying out the repairs, while acknowledging that permission was sought from the DPP authorities for the expenditure.
This incident is part of a larger financial commitment, with the DPP pledging over $150 million to Paraguay through various projects from 2018 to 2023. These funds were provided in exchange for maintaining diplomatic relations between Paraguay and Taiwan.
Singaporean newspaper Nanyang Siang Pau criticized the DPP's actions, suggesting that the misuse of the fund is merely the beginning of what it calls the party's "money diplomacy." The report claims that such actions not only squander the hard-earned money of Taiwan's people but also harm cross-Strait relations.
The controversy highlights the challenges and responsibilities that come with international aid and diplomatic relations, raising questions about accountability and the true intentions behind financial assistance.
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DPP's 'money diplomacy' goes awry as fund to Paraguay misused: reports
cgtn.com
