Richard Sanders
In response to escalating Chinese influence operations, Taiwanese legislators are pushing new laws to expand penalties and criminal scope against individuals and organizations involved in China’s “United Front” efforts. This initiative comes amid growing concerns over China’s increased tactics to sway Taiwanese politics and society.
President William Lai, on March 13, urged the government to develop strategic countermeasures against these activities. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by Lai, has introduced three key amendments through its lawmakers last week, signaling a toughened stance on national security threats.
One significant proposal by DPP Legislator Wang Mei-hui aims to amend the National Security Act to encompass those who pass or receive instructions, funds, or commissions related to “United Front” activities via intermediaries. Currently, the law targets those who initiate or manage such organizations, but the proposed changes seek to extend criminal liability to facilitators and recipients involved in the activities.
The amendments also impose stricter penalties on military personnel, civil servants, and teachers found to be engaging in activities contravening the Anti-Infiltration Act, including stripping retirement benefits for acts considered acts of betrayal.
Further proposals by DPP legislators Lai Jui-lung, Chuang Jui-hsiung, and Chen Kuan-ting seek to increase penalties for public servants involved in establishing or supporting organizations linked to foreign hostile forces. Penalties could rise by up to 50%, with corresponding reductions in retirement payouts for sentences of varying lengths, aiming to deter infiltration attempts by active or retired government officials.
In addition, amendments to the National Intelligence Services Act propose mandatory professional security expertise for investigators and harsher penalties for leaks of national security information. Taiwan’s opposition, the Taiwan People’s Party, has also called for increased punishment for individuals leaking sensitive information to hostile foreign entities.
These legislative efforts reflect Taiwan’s intensified focus on safeguarding national sovereignty amid increasingly aggressive Chinese influence activities. The proposed laws aim to bolster defenses against infiltration and subversion from China and its allies, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to its security and democratic integrity.
