Taiwan President Proposes Military Tribunals to Combat Rising Espionage by China

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has announced 17 strategies aimed at countering what he describes as China's intensified efforts to infiltrate and influence the island. Lai, speaking after a meeting with senior security officials, accused China of exploiting Taiwan's democratic system to sow division and engage in activities such as sabotage and subversion within Taiwanese society. Among the measures proposed by Lai are the reinstatement of military tribunals to handle cases of espionage and other military crimes, which were previously limited to wartime. This move comes in response to a reported increase in espionage cases, with 64 individuals charged last year, a 3 times increase from 2021, with 67% being current or former military personnel. Lai also plans to tighten regulations on exchanges with China, including stricter scrutiny of visits and residency applications by Chinese nationals. Additionally, the Taiwanese government, led by the Democratic Progressive Party, intends to enhance oversight of Taiwanese entertainers working in China, amid concerns over their public statements supporting Beijing. Lai cited China's use of gray zone tactics and psychological warfare in his remarks.