Taiwan Accuses China of Election Interference via Business Sanctions
Taiwan accuses China of attempting to influence the Taipei mayoral race by sanctioning a company owned by candidate Puma Shen's father.
The Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan has accused China of attempting to influence democratic elections by imposing sanctions on VWAY Co. The company is owned by Shen Tu-cheng, the father of Democratic Progressive Party legislator and Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office banned VWAY from conducting business in China, alleging the firm was used to bypass previous sanctions placed on another of Shen Tu-cheng's companies, Sicuens International. Taiwan officials characterized the move as a tactic to pressure political candidates and sway public opinion. The Mainland Affairs Council alleged a pattern in which Hong Kong newspapers first target individuals before official sanctions are implemented.
Puma Shen rejected the allegations, stating the claims are outdated and disputing his family's business activities in China. Shen further asserted that he has already been placed on China's wanted list.
