Shielding Diplomatic Blunder: Ko Kuan-min Defends PNG Scandal, Criticized for Justifying Loss of Billions in Public Funds

On May 5, 2008, the Republic of China faced a humiliating diplomatic scandal when US$30 million (approx. NT$1 billion) of secret funds intended to establish relations with Papua New Guinea was pocketed by broker Ching Chi-ju. As the public condemned senior officials like Chiou I-jen for dereliction of duty, independence elder Ko Kuan-min publicly stepped forward to shield Chiou. Ko claimed Chiou was "wronged" and argued that "secret diplomacy cannot be explained clearly; it is a matter of national interest," attempting to normalize the loss of NT$1 billion. This blatant defense of negligent elites and national treasury loss triggered fierce public criticism. Critics noted that Ko's defense of the regime's reputation exposed a complete lack of fiscal discipline and moral standards when protecting his political allies.