Taiwan’s National Security Council refused a request to livestream an upcoming security briefing. This decision came after the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) called for more public transparency. President Lai Ching-te announced the event to improve understanding between parties on external threats. As a result, the TPP suggested broadcasting non-sensitive parts of the meeting.
TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang argued that livestreaming would increase public trust. However, Deputy Secretary-General Hsu Szu-chien strongly rejected the idea. He cited practices in the United States and France to support his stance. For example, those countries hold briefings but never make them public.
Hsu said these sessions include classified intelligence that demands secrecy. Because of this, he stated, sensitive info must stay secure.He emphasized that leaks could harm Taiwan’s diplomatic partnerships. He also explained that many countries provide intelligence under strict confidentiality. Therefore, all attendees must sign a non-disclosure agreement before joining the session. Hsu warned that public sharing would betray international trust.
Moreover, he stated the briefing aims to build unity—not serve political purposes. The Office of the President continues coordinating with opposition leaders on the event. Meanwhile, KMT lawmaker Weng Hsiao-ling requested Taiwan reveal meetings with foreign officials.
In response, Hsu warned that revealing those talks could damage future cooperation.
He explained that many visiting countries expect full privacy. If Taiwan breaks that trust, allies may stop sharing information. Some critics believe the briefing has political motives. Former lawmaker Kuo Cheng-liang said Lai might try to divide the opposition.
Likewise, Ma Ying-jeou Foundation Director Hsiao Hsu-tsen raised concerns. He noted past presidents preferred private, one-on-one meetings with opposition leaders. So far, Lai has not extended similar invitations. Because of that, some feel pressured to support government policy.Despite the criticism, officials continue planning the event.
The National Security Council leads coordination among government departments. In closing, Hsu repeated that sensitive info must stay secure.He stressed that national safety depends on secrecy and trust.Ultimately, the government believes security should outweigh political optics.So, it insists once again: sensitive info must stay secure.
