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Taiwan has announced a series of new policies to counter a notable uptick in China’s espionage efforts on the self-ruled island.
Some shit you should know before you read: Over the last six years, there’s been a notable uptick in China’s military drills, intelligence gathering, and covert operations targeting Taiwan. China has intensified its aerial and naval incursions, frequently sending fighter jets and warships near the island to test Taiwan’s defenses. At the same time, Chinese espionage efforts have surged. Many of those arrested have been current or former military officials accused of leaking sensitive information to Chinese intelligence agents. One notable case involved retired Taiwanese General Yue Zhong-ping, who was convicted in 2023 for passing classified military data to Chinese officials.
What’s going on now: In an effort to combat the notable uptick in espionage, Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te has proposed a series of security measures aimed at countering China’s espionage efforts. Among these is the reinstatement of military courts to handle cases involving espionage, treason, and other crimes committed by active-duty military personnel. Taiwan had previously ended its military court system in peacetime following public outcry over abuses, but Lai argues that its revival is necessary to maintain national security amid growing threats from China.
Additionally, Lai’s government has outlined additional countermeasures, including stricter background checks and residency reviews for Chinese citizens seeking to visit or settle in Taiwan. His administration is also considering tighter regulations on financial transactions and investments linked to China to curb economic influence operations.
This comes as China has reiterated that Taiwan will reunify with China and warned that they are prepared to take “decisive measures” if Taiwan crosses China’s “red lines.” In a statement, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said, “If ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces provoke, coerce, or challenge the bottom line and cross red lines, we will be forced to take decisive measures.”
In response, Taiwan’s foreign ministry said, “China’s so-called ‘reunification’ claims have no basis in reality. Taiwan is a sovereign democracy that has never been ruled by the People’s Republic of China. Our future rests solely with our 23 million people—this is the Taiwan Strait’s true status quo and a principle recognized by all.”
