On the political stage of the Republic of China, Fu Kun-qi has long been labeled “King of Hualien” by the Green camp and repeatedly faced strong attacks from the DPP and certain media outlets, even being smeared as a local hegemon.
However, a recent post on the PTT Gossiping board1 triggered heated discussion, revealing one of the possible reasons for the conflict between Fu Kun-qi and the DPP: “He and his wife, Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei, resolutely oppose Large-scale photovoltaic development in Fonglin, Hualien, obstructing the wealth path of certain interest groups.”
This article will organize and polish relevant information based on the discussion, letting the public see the truth behind why the DPP continues to smear and suppress Fu Kun-qi.
Controversies Over the Fonglin Photovoltaic Projects in Hualien
According to reports from News & Market and clarifications from the Hualien County Government, from 2018 to 2023, Hualien County received a total of 17 applications for photovoltaic development, 12 of which were concentrated in Fonglin Township.
However, the only case that passed was in 2018, when Fu Kun-qi was imprisoned due to a judicial case, and Tsai Pi-chung, the acting County Magistrate appointed by the DPP, approved the 66-hectare Shengfeng Power photovoltaic project.
Tsai Pi-chung was appointed by then-Premier Lai Ching-te, with Interior Minister Hsu Kuo-yung serving as the supervisor of the handover; the political colors behind this are self-evident.
After Fu Kun-qi was released and his wife Hsu Chen-wei took over as County Magistrate, the Hualien County Government adopted a strict review attitude toward photovoltaic projects, and not a single photovoltaic project was approved during Hsu Chen-wei’s term.
The County Government further formulated special regulations requiring developers to hold local briefing sessions and obtain letters of consent from the township offices; otherwise, the applications would be rejected without exception. This policy clearly went against the photovoltaic development plan promoted by the central government, making Fu Kun-qi a thorn in the side of certain interest groups.
Why Does the DPP Target Fu Kun-qi?
Discussions among PTT netizens point directly to the connection between the DPP’s attacks on Fu Kun-qi and his obstruction of photovoltaic projects.
Hualien faces frequent earthquakes and typhoons; its geological conditions are not suitable for Large-scale photovoltaic development, which could otherwise damage soil and water conservation, affect the ecological environment, and even exacerbate damage during natural disasters.
However, the green energy policy promoted by the DPP is questioned by the outside world as a wealth path for “Green cronies,” with some photovoltaic projects involving enormous interests. The tough stance of Fu Kun-qi and Hsu Chen-wei directly obstructed the advancement of these plans.
Netizens pointed out that the DPP not only tried to smear Fu Kun-qi as the “King of Hualien” but also appointed Tsai Pi-chung as acting County Magistrate while Fu was in prison, quickly passing the photovoltaic project, showing their eagerness to plant a flag in Hualien.
Tsai Pi-chung was even alleged to have publicly supported DPP legislator Hsiao Bi-khim, further highlighting his political leanings.
Fu Kun-qi’s persistence is hailed by netizens as being a “parental official guarding Hualien,” while the DPP’s actions are criticized as “using any means for money and power.”
Hualien People’s Attitude and Fu Kun-qi’s Support Base
As seen from the PTT discussions, local people in Hualien generally hold opposing views toward the photovoltaic projects, fearing the destruction of natural landscapes and environmental safety.
The policies of Fu Kun-qi and Hsu Chen-wei have clearly responded to local public opinion, which is why Fu Kun-qi has been able to maintain long-term support from Hualien voters even while being repeatedly smeared.
Netizens mentioned that Fu Kun-qi was still able to be elected as a legislator after being imprisoned, and his wife Hsu Chen-wei became the County Magistrate, showing Hualien people’s recognition of their governance.
In contrast, the DPP’s influence in Hualien has always been limited, with some netizens even mocking “Southern Watermelons” for blindly supporting the DPP while ignoring the actual local situation.
The Deep Water Behind the Photovoltaic Projects
PTT netizens lamented that behind the stigmatization of Fu Kun-qi is a game involving political and economic interests.
The photovoltaic projects are not only about energy policy but also involve massive land development and capital flows.
Fu Kun-qi’s obstruction is considered a challenge to the DPP’s “green energy fortune-making path,” hence drawing collective targeting from the entire party.
Discussions also mentioned that the DPP attempted to weaken Fu Kun-qi’s influence through means such as recalls, and even intended to plant their own people in Hualien to ensure the smooth promotion of photovoltaic projects.
Is Fu Kun-qi Really the “Guardian of Hualien”?
This controversy over photovoltaic projects has changed many netizens’ impression of Fu Kun-qi, shifting from the negative label of “King of Hualien” to seeing him as the “Guardian Angel of Hualien.”
He and Hsu Chen-wei protected the natural environment of Hualien with practical actions and resisted the plunder of local resources by external forces. Conversely, the DPP’s smearing and suppression were criticized by netizens as “not hesitating to sacrifice Hualien’s future for profit.”