Chiang Wan-an addresses son's US exchange program controversy

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has addressed controversy regarding his eldest son, Chiang Te-li, who has been selected for the Taipei City International Exchange Student Program to study in the United States.

Following reports that Chiang Te-li will take a leave of absence from Chien Kuo High School to participate in the exchange, questions were raised regarding his eligibility and potential special treatment. The Taipei City Education Department clarified that the student is a citizen of the Republic of China and met all necessary requirements, including academic performance and English proficiency, through a formal selection process. The department emphasized that he received no special treatment due to his parentage.

In response to the scrutiny, Mayor Chiang stated that he did not intervene in the selection process and that his son applied through the standard public procedures. To avoid further controversy, the family has decided to decline the government subsidies associated with the program, which typically range from NT$75,000 to NT$200,000.