TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung (吳志中) described the impacts of the government budget cut passed by the opposition KMT and TPP parties on the foreign ministry. 

On Tuesday, the opposition parties voted to freeze half of the foreign ministry’s budget of approximately NT$3.7 billion (US$82.45 million). The remaining funds can only be accessed after 30% has been spent, Liberty Times reported. Legislative approval is required for disbursement.

Wu said the foreign ministry’s International Cooperation and Development Fund manages exchange programs, with medical teams providing aid worldwide. Through ICDF initiatives, Taiwan has grown vegetables in Africa, and agricultural teams have helped nations. However, he said these projects would shut down without funding.

Wu said the budget cuts would impair services, such as emergency assistance to citizens abroad. The elimination of the media and public relations budget prevents the ministry from promoting Taiwan internationally, which will harm its global visibility, he said.

The deputy minister added that international travel expenses were cut by 15%, which would affect Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and events, such as APEC. He appealed to the Legislative Yuan to restore the ministry’s original budget.