Taiwan Tightens Security Measures to Counter Chinese Espionage and Influence
President Lai Ching-te proposes military courts and stricter residency rules, citing increased infiltration and threats from Beijing.
- President Lai Ching-te has labeled China a 'foreign hostile force' and announced measures to counter espionage and influence campaigns targeting Taiwan's government, military, and society.
- Proposed actions include reinstating military courts to prosecute crimes such as aiding the enemy and sedition, a controversial move due to Taiwan's history under martial law.
- Taiwan's government reported a sharp rise in espionage cases, with 64 individuals charged in 2024, triple the number from 2021, most involving current or former military personnel.
- The measures also include stricter reviews of Chinese residency applications, monitoring of Taiwanese citizens working in China, and tighter controls on cross-strait exchanges of money, technology, and people.
- China has escalated military activity near Taiwan and continues to push for 'reunification,' with Beijing rejecting Taiwan's sovereignty and threatening force if 'red lines' are crossed.