Whats the deal with

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What’s the deal with this? <$NoAd$>I’ve heard hints of this from my Taiwan sources over the last 24 hours and now it’s all over the Taiwan press. This from the English-language Taipei Times

President Chen Shui-bian yesterday defended himself against accusations by People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong that he paid US$1 million to meet with a family member of US President George W. Bush during his visit to the US earlier this month.

Although Soong did not say who the family member was, PFP and Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) officials later identified the person as Bush’s brother Neil Bush.

Speaking to a crowd of more than 500 people in Yunlin County on Sunday, Soong said the US’ high-profile reception for Chen was a result of the US$1 million that Chen gave to the Bush family.

A broker representing the Bush family had contacted KMT Chairman Lien Chan before Lien went to the US last month, Soong said.

“A broker for the family member told Lien he could meet with the US president’s brother if he was willing to pay US$1 million. I believe Chen was well received by the US because he paid the money,” Soong said.

I’ll be on the phone with my sources trying to find out more.

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