TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) probe into Chinese involvement in producing a political program encountered difficulties on Monday (July 1).

In an interview on Pop Radio with host Huang Wei-han (黃暐瀚), MAC Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) said all parties questioned so far have denied the allegations. Liang added MAC will continue its investigation and will disclose its findings when available, per CNA.

Huang asked if MAC had contacted the person who first reported the allegations. Liang said MAC could not reach that person and could only interview those directly involved.

Huang then inquired about lending Chinese reporters equipment or aiding them in other ways. He also asked whether reporting with a pro-China bias fell under MAC's purview.

Liang clarified freedom of the press protects borrowing or lending equipment. He emphasized that any form of speech is acceptable as long as it does not violate Taiwan's sovereignty.

However, Liang said it would be unacceptable for a Chinese reporter to use news reporting as a cover to produce a political program. He explained that Xinhua and the People's Daily are state-run outlets and cooperation with them would be illegal.

Xinhua reporter Zhao Bo (趙博), who was stationed in Taiwan, was accused of overseeing a political program under the direction of China's Taiwan Affairs Office. Zhao reportedly instructed the production team on how to best convey the messaging of the Chinese Communist Party, per Liberty Times.

Xinhua reporters are typically posted in Taiwan for three months and Zhao's assignment ended in May. MAC has invited the current Xinhua reporter in Taiwan for an interview.