Chao Chien-ming Returns to Taiwan, Says Leaking Divorce Agreement Could Warrant NT$100 Million in Damages
Chao Chien-ming, son-in-law of former Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian, declined to be interviewed after returning to Taiwan, responding to the media instead with a single divorce agreement document, once again making this high-society marital breakup a political and social focal point.
- Chao Chien-ming flew in from Vietnam and landed at Kaohsiung airport, wearing a mask and saying nothing throughout, handing out only sheets of A4 paper at the scene.
- Printed on the paper was the "divorce agreement" between him and Chen Hsing-yu, listing nine points in total, the first of which states that the two agree to divorce and will complete the registration.
- The only sentence he spoke was to tell reporters to "take a look at point 8," pointing to the confidentiality clause in the agreement, under which a violator must pay NT$100 million in compensation.
- The document bears no signatures or seals from Chao Chien-ming or Chen Hsing-yu, leaving its validity in question.
- Large numbers of media staff waited at the airport, and one reporter fell amid the jostling.
Outlook: Under the pressure of the confidentiality clause and the high penalty for breach, neither side is likely to address the matter directly in the near term, and what follows will depend on whether the agreement is actually signed and takes effect.