Two separate developments involving Communist China and Taiwan have drawn attention amid broader U.S.–China geopolitical tensions. One concerns the death of a long-serving Chinese diplomat linked to past overseas messaging efforts, while the other centers on an ongoing political dispute in Taiwan over a major defense spending proposal.
Former Chinese Communist Party diplomat Li Daoyu has died at the age of 94, according to Chinese state media reports published April 23, 2026. Li, born in 1932 in Anhui Province, spent more than five decades in China’s foreign service. His career included senior postings in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, service at China’s Geneva mission, and later roles as China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador to the United States from 1993 to 1998. He later served in China’s national legislature before retiring in 2004.
He was once involved, along with two other officials from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in promoting CCP propaganda that defamed Falun Gong to then U.S. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. After provoking Rice, they were reportedly expelled from the White House.
A 2001 report by The Washington Times described the incident during a White House meeting involving Rice and visiting Chinese officials. The meeting, originally intended to cover U.S.–China relations, reportedly shifted toward criticism of Falun Gong. According to the report, a Chinese diplomat delivered a lengthy prepared statement alleging Falun Gong posed a threat to China and making claims about alleged foreign intelligence support. Rice was reportedly angered by the unexpected tirade and cut the meeting short after about 20 minutes.
The incident occurred in the context of China’s post-1999 campaign against Falun Gong, during which Beijing carried out a domestic crackdown while also engaging in international messaging efforts through diplomatic channels.
Success
You are now signed up for our newsletter
Success
Check your email to complete sign up
In July 1999, former CCP leader Jiang Zemin ordered the persecution of Falun Gong. Since then, the CCP has used state resources to suppress practitioners domestically while also extending propaganda and misinformation campaigns overseas.
Taiwan in a deadlock
In a separate development, Taiwan remains locked in political disagreement over a proposed “Special Defense Budget Act,” which has stalled after three rounds of cross-party negotiations. A fourth round is scheduled for May 6, as lawmakers remain divided over both the size and structure of the proposed military spending.
The government proposal, supported by Taiwan’s administration, envisions a large-scale defense modernization plan. According to the Taipei Times, Premier Cho Jung-tai has described the package as consisting of three core elements: a “Taiwan Shield” defense system, a high-tech kill chain capability, and the expansion of Taiwan’s domestic defense industry. He has emphasized that all three components are necessary for effective deterrence and has urged lawmakers to pass the bill quickly, warning that delays could increase uncertainty and external pressure.
The Presidential Office has also called for swift approval, arguing that Taiwan faces ongoing military pressure and that international partners are closely watching its defense commitments.
According to Radio Taiwan International, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Raymond Greene said in a China Times interview that passing a comprehensive special defense budget is crucial. He said it sends an important signal to the international community and is essential to ensuring Taiwan can obtain all required defense capabilities.
Greene stated that Taiwan is one of the most important places in the world, especially for the United States, and given the severity of threats it faces, the defense special budget should be passed as soon as possible. “The sooner Taiwan demonstrates its intent to defend itself, the safer everyone will be,” he said.
Opposition parties, particularly the Kuomintang, have pushed back against the scale and structure of the proposal. KMT leadership has expressed conditional openness to a lower ceiling, reportedly around NT$800 billion, but insists that any budget must be based on clearly defined procurement items and formal pricing documentation from the United States. Party leaders have also rejected what they describe as “blank check” funding authority.
Reportedly, KMT Chair Cheng Li-wen said the party would not oppose increased defense spending in principle and would not block U.S. arms purchases, but stressed that legislative approval must be based on transparency and specific procurement details. She added that without clear information on weapons systems and costs, full approval of the larger NT$1.25 trillion proposal is not feasible at this stage.
According to Reuters, The United States, through the American Institute in Taiwan, has urged Taiwan to pass a comprehensive defense budget quickly, stating that it would signal strong self-defense intent and help ensure timely access to military capabilities. Washington has already approved major arms sales to Taiwan in recent years, while Beijing continues to oppose such transfers.
