Taiwan's vice premier has quit the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, the DPP, taking responsibility for an embarrassing diplomatic scandal involving the alleged embezzlement of 30 million US dollars earmarked aid projects in Papua New Guinea.
The cash was to have been used to bid for PNG support for Taipei's international recognition over Beijing, but authorities in Taipei says it was pocketed by businessmen instead.
The vice Premier Chiou I-Jen says he deeply regrets the scandal, is full of shame towards the country and people, and that is why he will retire from politics.