In the aftermath of the students occupation of the Executive Yuan in March 2014 during the damage inspection of the Yuan accompanied by Secretary-General Lee Shu-chuan, Hsiao gave a statement which drew criticism from the public for giving more concern of his stolen suncake than the well-being of the wounded protesters. The offended public reacted by giving him back 150 boxes of suncake the next day. Hsiao however did not accept them, noting that in a democratic society it is acceptable for people to voice our their opinion but not to take other people's belonging.