Taiwan President Calls for Stricter Measures Against China's Infiltration and Espionage

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has urged for enhanced measures to combat increasing infiltration and espionage activities by China. Speaking after a meeting with senior security officials, Lai accused Beijing of attempting to undermine Taiwan's independence through division, destruction, and subversion. Lai highlighted the increase in military drills by China in the Taiwan Strait, trade sanctions, and influence campaigns targeting Taiwanese society. He noted that 64 individuals were charged with spying for China last year, a threefold increase from 2021, primarily involving current or former military officials. The government is considering countermeasures such as stricter reviews for Chinese citizens visiting or residing in Taiwan, the resumption of the military court, and measures to control the flow of money, technology, and people across the Taiwan Strait. Lai also addressed concerns about Taiwanese celebrities taking pro-Beijing stances, advising them to exercise caution in their public statements. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning dismissed Lai's remarks, reaffirming that Taiwan is part of China and that reunification is inevitable.