Taiwanese President Warns China's 'Infiltration' Efforts, Promises Retaliatory Actions

JAKARTA - Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday China had deepened its campaign of influence and infiltration of its territory, pledging action to address Beijing's efforts to "absorb" Taiwan.

Taiwan accuses China of increasing military exercises, trade sanctions, and its campaign for influence on the island in recent years to force the island to accept claims of Chinese sovereignty.

"They (China) carry out activities such as divisions, destruction, and subversions from within us," President Lai told a news conference broadcast live from the presidential office.

Citing government data, President Lai said 64 people were charged with Chinese espionage last year, three times more than in 2021. He said the majority of them were current military officials or former officials.

"Many are worried that our country, the freedoms gained with difficulty, democracy, and prosperity will disappear little by little because of this campaign for influence and manipulation," said President Lai.

By making this effort, President Lai said China was shaping what Taiwan's Anti-Infiltration Act defined as a "hostile foreign force".

President Lai proposed 17 legal and economic countermeasures, including a strict review of Chinese citizen residence permits to Taiwan, and proposals to resume military court work.

President Lai also said his government would make "the necessary adjustments" to the flow of money, people, and technology across the strait. He did not explain further.

In addition, he said the government would issue "rememorys" to Taiwanese actors and singers appearing in China about their "statements and actions", in response to what Taipei sees as China's ongoing campaign to pressure pop stars into making pro-Beijing comments.

"We have no choice but to take more active action," he said.

It is known, China claims Taiwan as its territory and has never abandoned the use of force to bring the island under its control.

On the other hand, the Taiwanese government rejects claims to sovereignty the Bamboo Curtain country, saying only the island's people can decide their future.