Taiwan’s KMT accuses ruling DPP of backing civic group’s pro-independence event

Opposition also takes aim at Beijing-sanctioned Kuma Academy’s fundraising drive on health ministry platform, says genuine causes ignored

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People visit a Kuma Academy event to raise awareness of natural disaster and war preparedness, in New Taipei City in November 2023. Photo: Handout

Published: 9:00am, 8 Jan 2025Updated: 1:49pm, 8 Jan 2025

Taiwan’s main opposition party Kuomintang (KMT) has accused the island’s administration of shielding a civic group that was sanctioned by Beijing last year over “secessionist” activities.

The Kuma Academy misused “illegally raised funds” to support pro-independence activities, KMT lawmakers allege.

The academy, founded in 2021, advocates civil defence readiness and encourages the Taiwanese public to prepare for potential conflict with mainland China. Last year, it launched a fundraising campaign titled the “Civil Defence Education Promotion Plan”, through the Taiwanese health ministry’s public welfare platform.

The campaign raised over NT$15 million (US$458,500).

Lawmakers from the Beijing-friendly KMT claim that the drive violated Taiwanese regulations on “charity donations destined for social welfare funds”, and deprived other disadvantaged groups of critical fundraising opportunities.

“Article 3 of the regulations clearly states that organisations or individuals are prohibited from using [publicly] raised funds for activities with political purposes,” Wang Hung-wei, the KMT’s deputy whip, said at a press conference called by the party on Monday.