Taiwan Proposes Tougher Measures to Counter Chinese Espionage and Influence

President Lai Ching-te outlines legal and security reforms as espionage cases triple, citing growing threats from Beijing's infiltration campaigns.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced plans to reinstate military courts and tighten residency rules for Chinese citizens to address espionage and influence campaigns by Beijing.
Government data shows 64 individuals were charged with spying for China in 2024, a threefold increase compared to 2021, with many cases involving military officials.
Lai accused China of psychological warfare, including subversion, disinformation, and efforts to undermine public confidence in Taiwan's defense capabilities.
Recent incidents include Taiwanese influencers and celebrities promoting pro-Beijing narratives and retired military personnel allegedly leaking sensitive information to Chinese agents.
China continues to escalate military drills and economic pressure on Taiwan, while international support for the island is reportedly waning, particularly in the Global South.