Taiwan President Lai Ching-te accused China of escalating its influence campaigns and infiltration efforts against the democratic island, pledging new measures to curb Beijing’s attempts to “absorb” Taiwan from within.
Following a high-level security meeting, Lai addressed reporters, stating that Beijing has been leveraging Taiwan’s democratic system to extend its reach into organized crime groups, media personalities, and former and current military and police officers.
“They [China] are carrying out activities such as division, destruction, and subversion from within us,” Lai warned during a press briefing broadcast live from the presidential office.
Growing Concerns Over Chinese Influence
China has steadily increased military drills, economic pressures, and disinformation campaigns to push Taiwan toward accepting its sovereignty claims. The latest data from Taiwan’s government reveals that 64 individuals were charged with espionage on behalf of China in 2023, a figure three times higher than in 2021. Many of those implicated were current or former military officials, raising alarms over potential security breaches.
“Many are worried that our freedom, democracy, and prosperity could be eroded bit by bit due to these influence campaigns and manipulation,” Lai said.
In response, Lai labeled China as a “foreign hostile force” under Taiwan’s Anti-Infiltration Act and outlined 17 countermeasures, including:
- Stricter reviews of Chinese citizens’ applications for visits or residency in Taiwan.
- Reinstating the military court to prosecute cases related to espionage and infiltration.
- Regulating financial, personnel, and technological exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.
Additionally, Lai’s government plans to issue “reminders” to Taiwanese celebrities performing in China regarding their public statements, following an ongoing Chinese pressure campaign to coerce pop stars into making pro-Beijing remarks.
Beijing Rejects Taiwan’s Claims
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has not directly responded to Lai’s accusations but has previously dismissed Taiwan’s concerns, insisting that it is “entirely natural” for Taiwanese artists to express their recognition of China.
When asked about Lai’s remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated Beijing’s stance, stating that Taiwan remains a part of China and that reunification is inevitable.
China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. However, Taiwan’s government firmly rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, asserting that only the Taiwanese people have the right to decide their own future.
