Tsai Eng-meng

Tsai Eng-meng was born in 1957 to a prominent family, the Tsai He-yuan family, in Dadaocheng, Taipei. He is a native Taiwanese from an extremely wealthy family. The Tsai He-yuan family has nurtured many well-known and wealthy businessmen for generations. Tsai Eng-meng's father, Tsai A-Shi, inherited the ancestral business and managed the business successfully. Although Tsai Eng-meng was born in a wealthy family, he was very opinionated about people, things, and matters since he was a child. Such characteristics set him apart from the children of other wealthy families of the same period that are generally moderate and rather follow the rules. Since he was young, Tsai Eng-meng often went to Ri Hsin Elementary School and Peng Lai Elementary School to listen to speeches by speakers outside the ruling party（non-KMT）. Therefore, his political stance inclines towards the non-KMT perspective, which challenges the authoritative KMT government, laying the foundation for his subsequent adventurous spirit of breaking through the career framework recognized by his father, grandfather, and business partners. Tsai Eng-meng attaches significant importance to filial piety. Even though he founded the Want Want Group which spans across the Taiwan Strait and the world, he still highly respects his parents. He erected bronze statues of his parents in the company in memory of them. The base of the statues is engraved with “Every morning, I contemplate the aspiration that my father taught me; every evening, I miss my mother’s kindness to me” to express his gratitude to his parents.

 

Tsai Eng-meng often reminds all employees in the Want Want Group to abide by filial piety and have a grateful heart, and often asks cadres and colleagues, “Have you ever helped your mom and dad cut their toenails?” Tsai Eng-meng also holds "filial piety" activities on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and constantly urges everyone to attach importance to filial piety. He believes that one must be filial to parents at home to be loyal to his/her career outside. Moreover, because Tsai Eng-meng attaches great importance to filial piety and moral values, he often warns cadres that they can criticize government officials on the policy-making, but cannot slander others’ integrity. Otherwise, in the long-term, it will hurt Taiwan's self-confidence, and competent people will be even more reluctant to serve the public. [1]

 

Although Tsai Eng-meng interrupted his studies in an early age, he has remained very respectful to literati and scholars, and likes to see young people study hard. However, for those literati that follow books rigidly or students that study without goals, Tsai Eng-meng believes that instead of sticking to books, lacking flexibility, and even being out of touch with the society, it is better to put down books and step into society to learn and accumulate experiences. Overall, he genuinely admires all literati that read, learn, and engage in scholarship. As he urged that people should put down books and step into the society, some people claim that he advocates “reading and studying is useless.” Tsai Eng-meng often responds to such people with a smile and says, “Of course, it is important to study well, but one also needs to learn to become a better person. I never said that studying is useless!” Tsai Eng-meng is also very pragmatic in the upbringing of his children, both in life and in business. His children are also working hard for the next stage of the Tsai He-yuan family's sustainability on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and in different business groups.

 

Tsai Eng-meng's father, Tsai A-Shi, also devoted himself to public welfare. In addition to donations to various livelihood infrastructures, such as paving neighborhood roads with asphalt, he has also donated a lot to cultural activities. The Introduction of Libraries Across Taiwan, as published by the National Central Library on July 23, 1964, indicates that the "Wen Dao Memorial Library" [2] was also donated by Tsai A-Shi. Under the influence of his father, Tsai Eng-meng spared no effort in public welfare. After launching Want Want Senbei Rice Crackers in 1983 and starting to make a profit, the 30-year-old Tsai Eng-meng immediately established a foundation and began to invest in public welfare for the care of the elderly. The foundation has sustained to date, without any interruption in operation. In the Defend Diaoyu Islands Movement in 2012, Tsai Eng-meng personally donated NTD 5 million to the groups supporting the Defend Diaoyu Islands Movement to solve their shortage of money for fuel, which allowed the Defend Diaoyu Islands Movement to continue. From 2020 to 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic across Taiwan, when alcohol was scarce and could not be purchased, Tsai Eng-meng continuously donated the subacidity electrolyzed hypochlorous acid water product "Water God", which is an antimicrobial solution, to the public for free to help people work together to prevent the pandemic from spreading!

On April 16, 1976, 19-year-old Tsai Eng-meng officially took up his post at I Lan Foods. In addition to familiarizing himself with all kinds of reports and documents, he also engaged in grass-roots work himself. Whether it was going to the fish market to bargain with the fishmongers, or going to the factory and putting on rain boots to process fish, fry fish, make ice cubes, spread salt, or cover with the canvas, he personally engaged in the front line-jobs and constantly learned from others. Tsai Eng-meng put in all of his efforts and was involved in every link and detail of the factory operation, laying the cornerstone for his future development of the Want Want Group![3]

 

In 1979, as Taiwan's economy took off, Tsai Eng-meng founded his first brand – “Lonely God,” which did not achieve good results, and even suffered great losses. According to Tsai Eng-meng, “I didn’t even know how to calculate the loss of money because I lost too much,” which made Tsai Eng-meng, who was only 25 years old at that time, feel pressured by the people who viewed him as a “prodigal son.” However, even when I Lan Foods was in its most difficult time, Tsai Eng-meng still insisted that “the salary can only be paid early, never late”, and expressed his utmost sincerity to the employees! At that time, Tsai Eng-meng led many company managers to the well-known Temple of the Eighteen Lords in Shihmen on the north coast to draw a fortune stick to ask the gods about the future of the new product – Lonely God Dried Shredded Squid. Unexpectedly, they got the “shortest straw.” The company managers present were all silent. In the face of this situation, Tsai Eng-meng calmly took out his pen and wrote the words “Men will conquer the fate” on the back of the fortune stick! Although the Lonely God Dried Shredded Squid ended in failure, Tsai Eng-meng started anew from rice crackers. Since then, the phrase “God helps those who help themselves” has always accompanied Tsai Eng-meng and become his very important motto. [4]

In the early 1980s, Japanese rice crackers were introduced to Taiwan, and Tsai Eng-meng saw hope and business opportunities. After sending forty or fifty letters, he received a reply from Keisaku Maki, president of Iwatsuka Confectionery, one of Japan's three largest rice cracker companies. At that time, Tsai Eng-meng, who was not even 30 years old, showed his momentum. Together with his 32-year-old eldest brother Tsai Eng-run and 31-year-old secretary Liao Ching-tsun, these three young people immediately brought Taiwanese high mountain tea and boarded the Shinkansen train in Tokyo to visit Iwatsuka Confectionery in person. Keisaku, the president of Iwatsuka Confectionery, received them personally. During the meal, Keisaku said that the reason why he wrote back was because he has a feeling toward the Chinese. It turned out that during World War II, Keisaku was sent by Japan to fight on the Chinese battlefield, and he was captured by the Chinese army in the Battle of Changsha in 1943. Keisaku, who believed that his life would just end in Changsha, survived because of Chiang Kai-shek's "Magnanimous" policy, and he returned to Japan. Keisaku has always been grateful for this. Keisaku said emotionally, “Everything is bound by fate.” However, during this visit, Keisaku still rejected Tsai Eng-meng’s request for cooperation. Tsai Eng-meng sent a letter to invite Keisaku to visit Taiwan in the first week after returning to Taiwan, but was still rejected. Tsai Eng-meng did not give up, and wrote letters almost every week to invite Keisaku to visit Taiwan, and finally, Keisaku was moved and agreed to visit I Lan Foods in Taiwan. [5]

 

During his visit to Yilan, Keisaku and Tsai Eng-meng reached a consensus on business cooperation of rice cracker. However, after returning to Japan, Keisaku's subordinates repeatedly suggested that Keisaku did not need to do such cooperation, so he wrote to Tsai Eng-meng to express his rejection of cooperation. Although it was almost the end of the year when Tsai Eng-meng received this letter of rejection from Keisaku, he immediately went to Niigata, Japan, to visit Keisaku again. In the large conference room of Iwatsuka Confectionery, and in the face of all executives of Iwatsuka Confectionery, Tsai Eng-meng looked Keisaku in the eyes and said that he believed that a Japanese company would keep its promise, and he would definitely make rice crackers as top quality as those made in Japan! The atmosphere was tense, and Keisaku, who had been pondering for a long time, sighed and looked at the conference room full of executives of Iwatsuka Confectionery, and said that he was determined to keep his promise and agreed to cooperate with Tsai Eng-meng! Keisaku said: “If I fail this time, I will announce my retirement from the company!” Tsai Eng-meng has always been grateful for this decision to advance and work together! Keisaku then stood up abruptly, walked to the altar in the large conference room and took down a large bottle of sake. He told Tsai Eng-meng, “This is our company's “money-making wine”, you take it back to Taiwan and drink it with your colleagues during the Chinese New Year. Bless you guys make money!” Since then, Keisaku of Iwatsuka Confectionery has formed a deep bond with Tsai Eng-meng, who is 41 years younger than him. Tsai Eng-meng erected a bronze statue of Keisaku at the Want Want Group headquarters many years later, with the words “Father of Want Want” inscribed in large letters, to express gratitude to Keisaku for his willingness to cooperate with him against the objections from other people at that time! Exactly 20 years later, when many senior executives of Japanese companies visit the headquarters of the Want Want Group, they could not help wondering what traits do "Son of Want Want" has that triggered the president of a Japanese company determined to transfer technology to him? [6]

 

In May 1983, the rice cracker machine purchased by I Lan Foods from Iwatsuka Confectionery officially entered the Shincheng factory of I Lan Foods. With the emphasis and persistence of Tsai Eng-meng and all I Lan Foods staffs on food quality, the Want Want Group’s products made in Taiwan tasted the same as those made in Japan, and no one can tell the difference between Japan-made and Taiwan-made rice crackers! Later, during a morning meditation, the words "Want Want" kept appearing in Tsai Eng-meng's mind. [7]

 

Over a decade later, Tsai Eng-meng said at the Hong Kong Corporate Investment Conference that "Want Want" is simple and easy to remember, and it also symbolizes good luck. Therefore, I Lan Foods' rice cracker product was officially named “Want Want”! Moreover, Japan calls the rice cracker “senbei,” and Tsai Eng-meng transliterated it as “hsien bei,” （仙貝） which means “the treasure of the gods” （神仙的寶貝）in Chinese, and directly calls the Want Want rice cracker "senbei"! Then, “Want Want Senbei Rice Crackers” was officially introduced into the Taiwan market! In the first advertisement of Want Want Senbei Rice Crackers, Tsai Eng-meng specially invited Tsai Chin, the "Sexy Singing Queen" at that time, as the star of the advertisement. Tsai Chin's sexy mouth and voice were used to convey the crispness and unforgettable taste of Want Want Senbei Rice Crackers! After the launch of Want Want Senbei Rice Crackers, it completely fit the Taiwanese custom of religious worshiping and offering, and Taiwanese people’s enthusiasm for seeking good luck and wealth. In less than three years, the catchy line “Worshiping with Want Want” swept across Taiwan, and the market share of Want Want Senbei Rice Crackers kept soaring that it became the No. 1 brand of rice crackers in Taiwan. Such achievement impressed Iwatsuka Confectionery! Originally, the cooperation between Iwatsuka Confectionery and Tsai Eng-meng was that Iwatsuka Confectionery would only provide the technology, while the investment funds were fully borne by Tsai Eng-meng. However, in 1987, Iwatsuka Confectionery and I Lan Foods established a 50/50 joint venture and founded the Guangshing Factory in Yilan! [8]

In the 1980s, the upsurge of mainland China's reform and opening up attracted funds from all over the world, including the Taiwanese, to invest in mainland China. Tsai Eng-meng, like businessmen from Taiwan and around the world, saw the business opportunities and prospects of the mainland China market, and he went to mainland China for business investigation. Originally, Tsai Eng-meng chose to invest in Zhuhai, Guangdong, which is close to the port and has a sufficient water supply. However, the Hunan Province Hua Xiang Group wrote invitation letters to him for half a year. Therefore, Tsai Eng-meng asked the delegation group of business investigation to arrange an additional visit to Changsha, Hunan. After arriving in Changsha, the Hua Xiang Group led the Want Want Group delegation to Wangcheng（望城） County, which is known as the “City of Hope” in Hunan. After learning about the current status of Wangcheng, the delegation directly asked Wangcheng County Secretary Long Shuang-wu about the “Ten Major Problems” for solutions, including channels, communication, electricity, and land preparation (three connections and one site), as well as water sources, manpower, rent, taxes, equipment import, and domestic sales. In addition, at that time, because mainland China was eager to attract funds from all over the world to invest in China, China offered many investment promotions to “enterprises of three types of venture” (Sino-foreign joint venture, Sino-foreign cooperation, and foreign-funded enterprise), such as the “2-Year Free and 3 -Year Half” preferential policy, that is, the first two years of investment are exempt from corporate income tax, and only half of the tax has to be paid in the third year. It was Hunan government's passion in business invitation that made Tsai Eng-meng decided to invest in Hunan and set up a factory in 1992, which initiated the development process of the Want Want Group in mainland China! [9]

 

In March 1993, Tsai Eng-meng sent rice cracker products to elementary and junior high schools all over mainland China for students to try for free, which laid a solid foundation of targeted consumer group advertising for the Want Want Group. North to Shenyan and Beijing, east to Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, south to Guangzhou, this was the largest free tasting campaign since the opening of the Chinese market! This pioneering step attracted dealers to place an endless stream of orders, and they were willing to accept the Want Want Group's “payment-by-delivery” policy, which also enabled the Want Want Group to grab an invisible market share in mainland China market, thus laying a solid foundation for the Want Want Group's marketing and sales channels [10]!

 

In the 1990s, the Want Want Group implemented the international standard ISO 9001 and the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), which is the emphasis of the Regulations on Good Hygiene Practice for Food! Through ISO and HACCP, the Want Want Group became an international enterprise with modern management capabilities! [11]

Where exactly did Tsai Eng-meng's funds come from? This issue has been attacked by public opinion, and it has also caused Tsai Eng-meng to be defamed and criticized to a considerable extent! The critics generally claim that the Want Want Group is a “Chinese-funded” group or a group with “unknown sources of funding” to carry out cognitive warfare propaganda against the Taiwanese. However, an inspection of the development history of the Want Want Group shows that it was listed in Singapore in 1996, then delisted in Singapore in 2008, and later listed in Hong Kong instead. Therefore, Tsai Eng-meng's source of funds is obviously all from Wang Want Foods' own business operations and dividend income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the 2020 statistics, the Want Want Group was listed in Singapore in 1996, delisted in Singapore in 2007, and listed in Hong Kong in 2008. During this period, the dividends distributed to shareholders were at least USD 5 billion, of which as much as USD 3 billion was distributed to Tsai Eng-meng.

 

The Want Want Group was listed in Singapore in 1996 and has been listed in Hong Kong since 2008. The sources of funds include funds raised in the capital market, allotment, and dividends, plus the cash earned by the Want Want Group in Taiwan, mainland China, and 59 countries around the world, including North America, from the business of rice crackers and other foods! Therefore, each source of Tsai Eng-meng's funds has a strong international basis, which gives Tsai Eng-meng the confidence to fight against all the slander and criticism that his source of funds is "CCP funds"!

 

In response to the attack and defamation regarding the source of funds of the Want Want Group, Tsai Eng-meng made the following statements firmly and convincingly on his YouTube channel, Facebook fan page, and in public speeches on related occasions, and even swore to God:

 

• I grew up in Chiencheng District of Taipei City, which is now Datong District. What kind of place is Datong District? People in Datong are all people who support those who outside the ruling party! I am also a people who outside the ruling party, and I have never joined any political party since I was a child. If anyone attempts to bribe me, it is not that easy!
• I started to make my fortune in 1983. The Want Want Group was listed in Singapore in 1996 and later listed in Hong Kong in 2008. How much cash has been allocated in the dividend distribution? You can calculate it yourself!
• As early as 1988, I set up a foundation to take care of the elderly. I was very young at the time. A young man could set up a foundation to take care of the elderly by himself! Do I still need to be bribed?
• If I was bought by CCP in mainland China, how many competing Taiwanese businessmen are there in mainland China? I would have been reported a long time ago!
• People who criticize me always scold my company "Want Want China" in Hong Kong. However, everyone with basic common sense knows that I am the largest shareholder in Want Want China. However, half of this company belongs to other shareholders. Think about it, everyone, if the CCP wants to give me money, is it necessary to be so troublesome and stupid to give me the money to start a company, of which “a half belongs to other shareholders”. CCP would then need to give half the money to someone else! Is the CCP that stupid?
• The twisted words that people most often use to scold me are “Want Want China takes subsidies from the mainland Chinese government,” but the Mainland Affairs Council has made it very clear that “Want Want China has done nothing illegal.” [18] Why is Want Want China not violating any law? Because “subsidizing enterprises” are something that every government in the world, including Taiwan, is doing. Which country does not need to attract businesses and investments through various subsidies for enterprises, such as land rent reduction, water and electricity concessions, or tax rebates? If a government’s subsidies for investment promotion and economic development are described as “bribing”, either the people who believe it are not smart enough, or every government in the world is “bribing companies”, and every company is “being bought by the government!”
• I swore on my personal YouTube channel that I was not bought by CCP! For the politicians of DPP and pan-Green groups that cursed me as a CCP-funded group, do you dare to bet against me and take a vow? Su Tseng-chang, do you dare to swear that you have never received political donations from mainland Taiwanese businessmen whom you defined as “CCP-funded” companies? If you do, you are a CCP-funded politician! Do you dare to swear?
• All of my funds come from selling rice crackers, every dime, every dollar. My funds are accumulated by my diligent works, by every industrious employee of the Want Want Group. Don't unscrupulously smear good-hearted people and humiliate hard-working people for political purposes!
• My funds can certainly withstand the test! I should say that everyone who has eaten Want Want products in the world is the source of my funds! The NCC Chairman Chen Yaw-Shyang also publicly and personally confirmed that there is no evidence that CTI received subsidies from mainland China! People who accused me of being “CCP-funded” have never presented any solid evidence, and everyone can judge with the most basic wisdom!

In 2008, the political situation on both sides of the Taiwan Strait eased, and many Taiwanese businessmen also succeeded in developing business in mainland China. The Taiwan Stock Exchange began to encourage foreign capital, mainly Taiwanese businessmen in mainland China, to list in Taiwan, hoping to form a clustering effect of “Taiwanese businessmen returning home”. At that time, Tsai Eng-meng became a representative Taiwanese businessman targeted by the government. On December 8, 2008, the then Premier Liu Chao-shiuan of the Executive Yuan led the Deputy Premier Qiu Zheng-xiong, Political Councilor Chu Yun-peng, and other finance ministers, to hold a dinner banquet for Tsai Eng-meng at the official residence. On one hand, the government officials exchanged opinions with Tsai Eng-meng on the plan to loosen cross-strait ties; on the other hand, they also hoped that Tsai Eng-meng's Want Want China company could be listed in Taiwan, thus, boosting the sluggish Taiwan stock market. Tsai Eng-meng saw that export-oriented Taiwan was suffering from the global financial crisis, and the life of Taiwanese people became difficult. Therefore, in response to the government's expectation of fighting for Taiwan's economy, he officially submitted an application for the issuance of a Taiwan Depositary Receipt (TDR) and became the first overseas Taiwan-funded enterprise to return to Taiwan for listing after President Ma's government came into power. For this purpose, Tsai Eng-meng released USD 100 million of his personal holdings in Want Want China, and was expected to raise over NTD 3 billion to expand public welfare and investment in Taiwan. [23]

 

However, Tsai Eng-meng believes that the investment that is really helpful to Taiwanese people is not just buying a few existing companies, which is useless because this is merely the change of ownership. Rather, real investments are projects that can increase employment opportunities and enhance added value, so that they can really help the people in Taiwan. But even so, Tsai Eng-meng and his family's investments in Taiwan are increasing year by year, including its investment in the Union Insurance Company, San Want Hotel, and San Want Residences Taipei, with the amount exceeding NTD 5 billion. Besides, the profit of I Lan Foods, which is the main business of the Want Want Group, also keeps growing every year. However, in the face of the lack of a cost advantage in Taiwan, Tsai Eng-meng said emotionally, "If I really can't think of what to invest in, I think I will just do charity work"! [24]

 

In terms of public welfare, various foundations established by Tsai Eng-meng, such as the Shi Chao Foundation and the Tsai Eng-meng Charity Foundation, are committed to various public welfare activities, such as donating materials to the elderly living alone and the disadvantaged elderly, distributing red envelopes to the homeless on three major holidays, providing scholarships to disadvantaged students, and supporting nature restoration. Many public welfare activities have been implemented for 19 consecutive years anonymously, and no one really knew about it, but Tsai Eng-meng has always insisted on loving Taiwan with actions!

 

 

 

The mainland China market is different now! It is both a challenge for Taiwanese and an opportunity for you and me. Whether you have investments in mainland China or are full of visions for the future of mainland China; whether you hold national sentiments towards mainland China or have doubts about mainland China, you must know it and care about it.

 

 

    We are pursuing a good life! The 1992 Consensus is the consensus of a family on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. From the perspectives of history, bloodline, and culture, Taiwanese are Chinese.

We are all from the same country, so of course, we have to stand by each other.

 

Tsai Eng-meng emphasized that "Taiwan is the place where he grew up, mainland made his career grow strong. Therefore, both sides of the Taiwan Strait must be prosperous!" [28] As a result, Tsai Eng-meng founded Want Daily, shouldering the "great responsibility of communicating between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait." He further said, "This is a very meaningful newspaper. No matter what Taiwanese people think about mainland China, they must definitely try to understand it. We are looking forward that Want Daily will shoulder this important task.”

In 2012, Japan nationalized Diaoyutai, which triggered boiling public opinions in Taiwan! Private action groups were established spontaneously, and on September 24, “925 Taiwan Defends Diaoyu Islands” was launched! The then Yilan County Magistrate Lin Tsung-hsien promised to pay for the fuel costs for the action group's fleet to go to sea. However, on the night before the voyage, the Yilan County Government suddenly changed its tune and stated that it would not pay for the fuel costs, resulting in the action group's failure to launch the voyage. Yilan County Government's sudden breach of the promise thwarted the actions of “925 Taiwan Defends Diaoyu Islands” planned by the organizer of the action - Su-ao Fishermen’s Association, as well as all the action groups! This move also stunned the media reporters who were scheduled to board the boats! At that time, the reporters from Want Want China Times were among them, and they sent the news back to the company. Tsai Eng-meng immediately called Chen Tsun-sheng, Chairman of the Su-ao Fishermen’s Association, to ask how much the fuel cost would be to complete the trip they planned? Chen Tsun-sheng said, “NTD 5 million is needed!” Tsai Eng-meng immediately stated that the Defend the Diaoyu Islands Movement could not be interrupted, and he would fully fund the NTD 5 million out of his own pocket! According to Chen Tsun-sheng, Tsai Eng-meng said proudly that “Taiwanese cannot be seen as inferior!” With this incident, Chen Tsun-sheng said, “Tsai Eng-meng can be called an entrepreneur with Guts!” Tsai Eng-meng also reminded them, “Money is not a problem, but you should pay attention to safety when you are all at the sea!” [29] Finally, Taiwan's Defend the Diaoyu Islands Movement, due to the “immediate” donation from Tsai Eng-meng, made a successful trip to defend Taiwan's dignity!

In April 2019, the sensational title “Want Want Group received the subsidy of 15.2 billion from China and the financial reports disclosed the subsidy for 11 years” of Apple Daily [34] mentioned that Hong Kong listed company, Want Want China, according to its financial reports in 2017 and 2018, had acquired the subsidy of 15.2 billion from the Chinese government in the past 11 years through business subsidy. Using the controversy of “enterprise subsidy”, the report created a false and negative image of Tsai Eng-meng who obtained the capital from China. This report of Apple Daily was cited by numerous writers, online users, and cyber army to attack Tsai Eng-meng on a grand scale. For instance, the report of Apple Daily mentioned that on the Fanpage “87 ways to eliminate Want Want China Times Media Group”, it indicated that in the financial reports of Want Want China Holding Company in the past years, there has been one item called “governmental subsidy,” and the government was the PRC government, not any other government! Since 2006, the PRC government has subsidized Want Want China Times Media Group for at least NTD 16.7 billion!”

 

Regarding the report of Apple Daily, the article “Want Want China was not privileged and the taxation in the past 11 years was more than hundred billion” [35] on July 7 of China Times retorted that the so-called subsidies from the Chinese government were the rewards, tax returns, and subsidies promised by the mainland Chinese government for business invitation. All subsidies were not only legal, but all the financial reports were also certified by the accountants. All enterprises, whether Chinese or foreign-capital businesses, were eligible for subsidies as long as they met the requirements. FIH Mobile Limited, FII, Master Kong, and other major corporations have all received subsidies from the mainland Chinese government. The financial specialists who were familiar with the system of financial reporting in Hong Kong suggested that as Want Want China Times Media Group is a personal investment of Tsai Eng-meng and Want Want China is a listed company, they should not be mixed when talking about them. Besides, in the finaencial reports of Want Want China, if the subsidy of the Chinese government for individuals or Want Want China Times Media Group was included, it would not be approved and certified by the accountants. The CFO of Want Want China, Chu Chi-wen, emphasized that Want Want China is a Hong Kong listed company and so-called “governmental rewards” were strictly audited by accountants and the certificates of rewards must be associated with the food industry. There would never be a subsidy unrelated to the industry.

 

Regarding the subsidy policy of business invitation of the Chinese government, the spokesman of the Mainland Affairs Council, Chiu Chui-cheng, said in an interview on April 23, 2019, that it is legal for Taiwanese enterprises in China to be subsidized, and it is a common practice to use the subsidy policy in mainland China to promote industrial development [36]. However, subsequently, Chiu Chui-cheng expressed the argument, “close attention will be paid on whether there is political infiltration on this matter”. Coincidentally, the National Communications Commission (NCC) responded to the media in a written document stating that, “According to the current regulations, Chinese capital is not allowed in operating the media.” Although the ambiguous remarks made by the Mainland Affairs Council and NCC did not directly suggest that CTI of Want Want China Times Media Group received Chinese capital, the NCC still launched a series of investigations on the involvement of Chinese capital in CTI. However, on October 7, 2020, NCC committee chairperson Chen Yaw-shyang was called to the Legislative Yuan to answer the interpellation, and when he , was asked, “Did the Chinese government subsidize CTI?”, he gave a contradictory response, “No! The subsidy provided by the mainland Chinese government was for the business of Want Want China in mainland!” [37] At the same time, many political figures, online influencers, public representatives, and students with the position of the pan-green coalition began criticizing CTI as a red (pro-communist) media. Thus, Tsai Eng-meng, Want Want China Times Media Group, and CTI were trapped in the morass of being “red (pro-communist) media that have received the capital from the mainland Chinese government”. Later on, a series of movements against the red (pro-communist) media were carried out, and offensive comments constantly stigmatized Tsai Eng-meng and CTI.

 

The doubt on whether CTI has been funded by the mainland Chinese government was elevated to a higher level of controversy - national security issue. On October 26, 2020, the NCC convened a hearing. According to the press release on that day, “The change of license for CTI News was associated with national security, the overall industrial development, the public order, the audiences’ rights, the news autonomy, the quality of the programs, and labor’s rights. A hearing shall be held according to the 928^th resolution of the committee on September 23, 2020, and Paragraph 107 of Article 55 of the Administrative Procedure Act.” NCC’s press release listed national security as the first issue of the hearing, demonstrating that national security was the key point of the NCC in the investigation of CTI News. Nevertheless, on October 29, 2020, the director of National Security Bureau, Chiu Kuo-cheng, answered the interpellation in the Legislative Yuan regarding whether CTI News received Chinese capital, “National security is a serious (political) label. The issue of the change of license of CTI News should be regarded as topic discussion, and did not cause people’s anxiety. The National Security Bureau did not intervene, nor did it provide information to the NCC.” Chiu Kuo-cheng further indicated that, “The NCC has invited the National Security Bureau to present the hearing on October 26; however, the National Security Bureau did not send anyone!” When the legislators asked, “Are there any pieces of evidence which shows the national security concern of domestic news stations?”, Chiu Kuo-cheng did not answer the question directly, but only said, “The National Security Bureau will continue monitoring the situation.” [38]

 

For several years, the Taiwan society has been trapped in the debates on whether CTI News has received mainland Chinese subsidies, despite the fact that administrative authorities, such as the Mainland Affairs Council and the NCC, never responded. On November 18, 2020, during the press conference in which the NCC announced the closure of CTI News, the NCC revoked the license of CTI News by the so-called “double standard” criticized by the public. As to the investigation on “whether CTI News received capital from the mainland Chinese government”, which is largely concerned by all industries of Taiwan and public opinions, Chairman of NCC, Chen Yaw-Shyang, stated in the press conference that announced the closure of CTI News on November 18, “No evidence showed that CTI News received the subsidy from the mainland Chinese government”! [39] The public was shocked, and burst into an uproar! The statement of Chen Yaw-Shyang is the proof of “the innocence of Tsai Eng-meng and CTI News” and the political impact to revoke the license of CTI News. In other words, the statement confirmed that “CTI as a red (pro-communist) media” is indeed a fake topic that triggered the social disputes and chaos, politicians’ manipulation of political oppositions, and the public’s radicalization and hatred! The incident of CTI being “smeared red (pro-communist) resulted in social discussion and indignation, as we as heated discussions. For example, on the most popular platform of public opinions, PTT, more and more online users of the well-known boards for current events - “Gossiping” and “HatePolitics”, made comments or “liked” comments criticizing the incident, such as “Do you still believe that CTI News was closed due to being a red (pro-communist) media?”

 

Afterwards, young people began their awakening and realized they had been brainwashed into believing that Want Want China received “subsidies from the mainland Chinese government” and in fact, it was the business tax refund, subsidies, and rewards of business invitation that are offered by the governments around the world, including Taiwan. It was still twisted to slander that Tsai Eng-meng received CCP’s capital and CTI was the red (pro-communist) media that obtained capital from the mainland Chinese government. More and more enthusiastic young people questioned the legitimacy of the closure of CTI News on “Gossiping” board of PTT. Thus, in July 2021, the online users of “Gossiping” board of PTT who were regarded as the supporters of the pan-Green coalition were “smeared red (pro-communist)” by specific people and groups, such as the Institute for National Defense and Security Research” [40]. It was the famous “PTT smeared red (pro-communist) incident”! However, the incident came to an end after the boycott by the online users of “Gossiping” board of PTT! Some online users started a thread on PTT by the title “Persecution on CTI and PTT is only the first step; Foundation of the Digital Development Department is like the online secret police”, and pointed out that CTI and PTT were “smeared red (pro-communist)”, not because of their “red”. It was the political persecution which limited the freedom of the press. [41]

After Tsai Eng-meng was engaged in media, his media exposure was significantly increased, and thus, became the subject of concern to the supporters of Taiwan’s independence and pan-Green coalition groups. Following the exposure, the intentional misinterpretation, assaults, and criticism with “labeling” on Tsai Eng-meng appeared massively emerged in the public opinions of Taiwan. For instance, Tsai Eng-meng argued that “Matsu and Guan Yu are both Chinese, which cannot be denied by DPP. Thus, Taiwanese people are Chinese, and we are certainly pro-China. On the other hand, whether a Taiwanese should be anti-communist depends on one’s own subjective opinions. CCP can make Taiwanese express their identification with China.” He further added, “In fact, many Taiwanese people are the loyal followers of Chiang Kai-shek. In the time of Chiang, the most important thing is “I am Chinese and I love my motherland.” The second is anti-communist. However, it was later “modified” by DPP. Anti-communism is still important; however, the concept of Chinese is neglected. This makes a major difference.” [42]. Unfortunately, the attackers extracted parts of Tsai Eng-meng's statements and added their own words, and argued that Tsai Eng-meng “claimed that Taiwanese people should be pro-China and should not be anti-communist!” Comparing Tsai Eng-meng’s original words and the twisted statements, the meanings conveyed are completely different, thus causing deviated cognition of the audiences. Such interpretation out of context, addition of words, and intentional misinterpretation of Tsai Eng-meng's statements and behaviors were numerous in such attacks:

 

 

 

Tsai Eng-meng further pointed out that if the three political parties can treat Taiwanese people with honest, practical, and realistic attitudes, the two sides of the Strait can interact and cooperate openly and truthfully, thus, Taiwanese people would be happier and more blessed, and the people across the Strait can be truly united.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tsai Eng-meng further indicated that, “The above five suggestions are based on my idea of rationality on truth and reasoning, my genuine love for Taiwan, and my ethnic affection for both sides of the Strait. I wish I could bring benefits to the future of the two sides of the Strait and the solidarity of the Chinese people.” “Taiwan is my hometown where I grew up, and mainland is my hometown where my career thrives. I, Tsai Eng-meng, don’t profit from speculation in stocks or real estate. My business in mainland did not enjoy any special permissions or privileges. The assets of Want Want are earned through the concerted efforts of all Want Want staffs, and every penny is justified and clean.” “In the past 6 years of operating the media business, I have upheld the beliefs of judging right and wrong based on principles, Taiwan always comes first, both sides of the Strait should cooperate and unite, and the Chinese people will have a prosperous future. I implore the three major political parties to act in a responsible manner, and explain the future Taiwan policies clearly and frankly, so that the people in Taiwan can truly live a good life.”

 

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Today, I feel emotionally burdened! Tomorrow, December 11, is likely to be the last day of CTI. I sincerely hope that justice will be the last line of defense for fairness! Especially on this International Human Rights Day, I feel even more depressed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the CTI colleagues for their seriousness, unity, and resilience, which makes me really warm, emotionally touched, and proud! Tonight is a dark night with light rain, but the light of CTI will not be extinguished! Thanks to the folks and friends who came to the CTI building to support us. Please keep warm and don’t get wet! Today is the International Human Rights Day. I cheer for Taiwan, I cheer for the Republic of China!
 

At least half of the polls did not support shutting down CTI, but the NCC members ignored the backlash of public opinion and insisted on shutting down CTI with a one-sided voting result of 7:0. It took only two months to shut down a 26-year-old news station! Even for the most vicious criminals that underwent trials in military courts during the martial law era, the time from being sentenced to death to the execution was not as fast as when the NCC shut down CTI! The real reason for shutting down CTI: It was definitely not because CTI news staffs produced bad news! It was not because they made fake news! It was not because they were incompetent! It was not because CTI is Chinese-funded or a red media! It was because CTI really fulfilled the media’s responsibility of supervising the government as the fourth power, which agitated those in power. Therefore, CTI was quickly shut down by the government! I would like to ask the Tsai government, have you done a lot of national affairs that betrayed the trust of the commonwealth of the Republic of China? Was there any underhand secret dealings? Did you undermine the expectations of 8.17 million supporters? Taiwan has ushered in the official arrival of the DPP dictatorship government that only allows one voice to be heard!
Rationality on truth and reasoning, genuine love for Taiwan!
If the government loves Taiwan, it will make life better for Taiwanese people! People are simply pursuing a better life!

 

 

Today is September 1, the Journalists' Day! Journalism is a sacred and upright divine job! On his personal Facebook, Tsai Eng-meng quoted Wen Tian-xiang’s The Song of the Righteous Spirit “In Qi Dynasty, it was the Grand Historian’s bamboo slips; In Jin Dynasty, it was the brush of Dong Hu.” This description illustrates the integrity and mission of literati in awe-inspiring righteousness and fearlessness in the face of power when pinpointing and criticizing the current affairs! Journalists exist with such integrity and mission. No matter how domineering the power they face, they are still courageous, fearless, strong, and invincible to practice truth and make fair reports!

 

Journalists’ Day is a day of honor for media workers. I recalled the original intention when I invested in the media at that time—with the ambition to stand on the side of justice, just like Mazinger Z, adhere to the mission of fairness, justice, morality, courage, and truth, and fulfill the responsibilities of the “uncrowned king” and the “fourth power!”

 

On September 1, I would like to express my admiration and gratitude to every colleague of Want Want China Times Media Group from the bottom of my heart! Thank you all!