In a bold move that signals escalating tensions, Taiwan’s leader Lai Ching-te has referred to China as a “foreign hostile force” and announced a series of stringent national security measures to counter Beijing’s growing influence and espionage activities.
Lai’s comments came during a high-level national security meeting where he addressed China’s increasing attempts to undermine Taiwan from within. He revealed that Chinese intelligence agencies have been recruiting individuals from various sectors, including current and former military personnel, organized crime groups, and media professionals, to create internal divisions and destabilize the island.
In response to these threats, Lai unveiled plans to reinstate Taiwan’s military court system. This move aims to allow military judges to handle criminal cases involving active-duty personnel, a practice that was abolished in 2013 following criticism over the opaque handling of an army conscript’s death. Lai believes this measure will help curb Chinese infiltration within the armed forces.
Additionally, Taiwan will tighten residency rules for individuals from China, Hong Kong, and Macau to prevent potential security risks. The government is also set to provide guidelines for Taiwanese entertainers working in China, aiming to protect them from pressure to adopt pro-Beijing stances that undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Lai’s tough rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson, Chen Binhua, labeled Lai a “destroyer of cross-straits peace” and warned that China would take “decisive measures” if Taiwan’s pro-independence forces crossed the “red line.”
This latest development comes amid a surge in espionage cases. Taiwanese authorities reported charging 64 individuals with spying for China last year, a three-fold increase from 2021. Most of those accused were either current or former military officials.
The growing divide between Taiwan and China is further highlighted by the backlash against Taiwanese celebrities who have publicly supported the idea of Taiwan rejoining China to advance their careers in the Chinese entertainment industry. Lai’s administration is now urging entertainers to uphold national dignity and resist Beijing’s influence.
As cross-strait tensions continue to rise, Lai’s proactive measures aim to bolster Taiwan’s national security and protect its sovereignty against China’s increasing pressure and infiltration tactics.