Taiwan President Raises Alarm Over China’s Infiltration Efforts
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has warned about China’s intensified infiltration efforts into Taiwan’s democracy. He cites increased espionage charges and various means of influence by Beijing. Lai proposes countermeasures, including stricter regulations on Chinese visits, in a bid to protect Taiwan’s sovereignty as tensions with China rise.
On Thursday, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te alerted the public about intensified Chinese efforts to penetrate the democracy of Taiwan. He emphasized the importance of countering Beijing’s strategy to incorporate Taiwan by highlighting various means, including military drills, trade sanctions, and influence operations aimed at imposing Chinese sovereignty over the island.
During a press conference following a meeting with senior security officials, President Lai indicated that China has exploited Taiwan’s democratic framework to infiltrate numerous societal sectors, including organized crime, media personalities, and former military and police officers. He stated, “They (China) are carrying out activities such as division, destruction, and subversion from within us.”
Lai referenced alarming statistics, noting that last year, 64 individuals faced charges related to Chinese espionage, a threefold increase from 2021, primarily involving current or former military officials. He voiced concerns among citizens regarding the gradual erosion of Taiwan’s freedom, democracy, and prosperity due to these insidious influence campaigns, stating: “Many are worried that our country, hard-earned freedom and democracy will be lost, bit by bit, due to these influence campaigns and manipulation.”
He categorized these actions by China as the endeavors of “foreign hostile forces” as defined by Taiwan’s Anti-Infiltration Act. In response, President Lai proposed 17 legal and economic countermeasures, which include stringent reviews of Taiwanese residency or visit applications submitted by Chinese nationals and plans to reinstate military court functions.
Moreover, Lai announced that the government intends to implement necessary changes regarding the movement of money, people, and technology across the Taiwan Strait. He also emphasized the need for heightened awareness among Taiwanese entertainers performing in China about making statements and actions that could be interpreted as pro-Beijing, calling these steps integral as Taiwan defends its stance against external pressures.
Tensions remain high, as China persistently claims Taiwan as part of its territory, asserting its right to use force to unify the island with the mainland, while Taiwan resolutely refutes these claims, affirming that the future of Taiwan is exclusively in the hands of its people.
In summary, President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan has raised significant concerns regarding China’s escalating infiltration efforts and influence campaigns aimed at undermining Taiwan’s democracy. Through proposed countermeasures and strict regulations, the Taiwanese government seeks to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its democratic values from external threats. The situation remains critical as Taiwan faces increasing pressure from China, affirming the need for proactive defense strategies.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
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