In a recent statement, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te accuses China of intensifying its influence and infiltration efforts against the island nation. According to Lai, China’s espionage activities include cultivating relationships with Taiwanese society members, such as criminals, media personalities, and police officers, with the intention of promoting division, destruction, and subversion.
Lai argues that stricter measures are necessary to counter China’s attempts to weaken Taiwan’s defenses, particularly in the context of psychological warfare. He points to government data showing a significant increase in charges related to Chinese espionage last year, with most cases involving current or former military officials. The president expresses concern that these influence campaigns and manipulation could eventually erode the island’s hard-earned freedom, democracy, and prosperity.
To address this issue, Lai proposes 17 legal and economic countermeasures, including a thorough review of Taiwan visits or residence applications for Chinese citizens and suggestions to resume the work of the military court. He also mentions the need for adjustments in the flow of money, people, and technology across the strait.
This unfolding situation highlights the tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing viewing Taiwan as part of its territory and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party favoring continued de facto independence from the mainland.
Recent incidents have exacerbated tensions, including the expulsion of a Chinese wife of a Taiwanese citizen for making pro-China statements on social media and Taiwanese artists and influencers reposting content from Chinese state media. President Lai indicates that his government will issue reminders to Taiwanese actors and singers performing in China regarding their statements and actions.
Additionally, retired Taiwanese service members have reportedly passed information to Chinese agents and sought to recruit serving military members as spies. China continues to send ships and planes into airspace and waters near Taiwan in an attempt to intimidate its population and weaken its armed forces and morale.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/13/taiwan-says-tougher-measures-needed-to-counter-chinese-infiltration?traffic_source=rss
