Taiwan’s President Lai Qingte claims that China is deepening its “influence campaign” on the island.
Taiwan’s President William Lai Qingte said China is deepening its spying and invasion campaign against the island, and his government will propose various measures to counter Beijing’s efforts to “absorb” Taiwan.
Speaking to reporters after meeting with security officials on Thursday, Lai said Beijing was trying to nurture relations with members of Taiwanese society, including organized crime groups, media personalities and police officers.
“They (China) are carrying out activities such as splitting, destruction and subversion from us,” Lai said.
He added that stricter measures are needed to counter China’s efforts to weaken the island’s defenses.
Lai said last year, 64 people were accused of Chinese espionage, three times more than in 2021, according to government data.
“Many people worry that our country, our hard-earned freedom, democracy and prosperity, will be lost little by little due to these influences and manipulation,” he said.
The president proposed 17 legal and economic measures, including a strict review of Chinese citizens’ visits or residence applications and proposals to resume military court work.
Lai also said his government would make “necessary adjustments” to the flow of money, people and technology across the channel. He did not elaborate.
Although Beijing considers Taiwan to be part of its territory, the bounty of the island’s dominant democratic progressive party continued its virtual independence from the mainland.
Since LAI’s predecessor, Tsai ing-Wen, was elected eight years ago, China has refused almost all official contact with the DPP. Both sides split during the civil war of 1949.
Recent spats
Taiwan recently expelled the Chinese wife, a Taiwanese citizen, after posting several clips on social media saying that China conquered Taiwan in 30 minutes and praised its leader.
Such conduct is illegal under Taiwan’s law regarding betting the enemy. Additionally, women who hold the official Chinese title as consultants can apply for residency again in five years.
Other recent incidents include Taiwanese artists and influencers living in China reposting statements from Chinese national media to assert China’s sovereignty over Taiwan.
Lai said his government will issue “reminders” to Taiwanese actors and singers who will perform in China in “statements and actions.”
“We have no choice but to take more positive action,” he said.
The retired Taiwanese service member handed information about the island’s weapons system to Chinese agents and tried to recruit service members as spies, he said.
China regularly sends ships and planes to airspace and waters near the island to threaten 23 million people and to diminish its military and morale.
