TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) claimed Wednesday that the DPP is purchasing media influence, prompting a strong response from the DPP.

Cheng alleged that the DPP bribes media outlets to amplify selected viewpoints, per ETtoday. She suggested that the ruling DPP is waging cognitive warfare against Taiwan.

DPP Spokesperson Wu Cheng (吳崢) swiftly responded on Thursday, demanding that Cheng retract her statement and apologize or face legal action, per UP Media. He urged Cheng to stop using the DPP as a scapegoat for the KMT’s internal disputes.

The KMT responded by pointing to Cheng’s background as a former lawmaker, arguing that her experience provided her with unique insights into the government’s media contracts and budget, per UDN. The KMT challenged the DPP to disclose information on its media subsidies, contracts, and related expenses rather than resorting to legal threats.

In previous comments, Cheng has insinuated that the DPP uses its financial resources to buy media influence. During an interview about Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen’s (盧秀燕) trip to the US, Cheng claimed the DPP had the money to manipulate both media and online platforms, per Liberty Times.

On another occasion, Cheng suggested that the DPP’s wealth was a product of its long-standing governance of Taiwan. Speaking about the New Taipei mayoral election, Cheng urged the KMT to intensify its efforts, asserting that the DPP’s financial resources stemmed from its more than 10 years in power, per Storm Media.