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.