TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan on Wednesday (Sept. 11) rebutted Beijing’s claim the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is persecuting those who are not aligned with its political agenda amid the corruption investigation of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲).

Speaking at a regular briefing, Chen Binhua (陳斌華), spokesperson for China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), criticized the Lai Ching-te (賴清德) administration for what he described as “repeated manipulation of the judiciary, administrative means, and public resources for private use.” Chen’s comments came in response to inquiries about Ko’s involvement in graft accusations related to a property development project, per CNA.

Chen alleged the Lai administration is engaged in suppressing dissent and creating "green terror.” He added the administration's goal is to persecute individuals who do not support the DPP or endorse Taiwan independence.

In response, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) issued a statement rejecting these claims, emphasizing that Taiwan operates as a free and democratic society with a judicial system that functions independently. MAC said Taiwan’s judicial system is “completely different” from China’s authoritarian system, where "public security, prosecution, and judiciary serve the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).”

MAC also criticized China’s “narrow perspective,” saying that Beijing’s accusations only “expose its own shortcomings and make itself a laughing stock.”

Ko is detained and under investigation over his role in the Core Pacific City development project, which involves allegations of profiteering and bribery. The case has become one of the largest crises facing the chair of the Taiwan People’s Party, which advocates for clean government.