Taiwan Espionage Case: Chinese Agents and Gang Members Involved
In Taipei, Taiwan, ten individuals, including Chinese agents, Taiwanese gang members, and temple affiliates, have been indicted in a military espionage case. The High Prosecutors’ Office reported that eight military personnel, both active and retired, were charged with leaking sensitive information to Chinese agents, violating national security laws.
Among those involved are Lee Huei-hsin, a 31-year-old gang member, and a retired officer named Peng. Chinese intelligence reportedly approached Lee in Macau, offering money and benefits. Upon returning to Taiwan, Lee began recruiting military personnel, with Peng being the first recruit. Lee utilized her connections at a temple and within the gang to expand the recruitment network, enlisting an active-duty soldier named Liu.
The court documents revealed that the recruited military personnel were tasked with providing documents such as flight plans, work schedules, and attendance records to Chinese agents through Lee, receiving up to NTD 150,000 per item. Additionally, they were required to wear military uniforms while holding the Chinese national flag and pledged to surrender to China in the event of war.
The Ministry of National Defense condemned the actions of the indicted military personnel, emphasizing the betrayal of the nation for monetary gain. The ministry stated that these individuals must face severe legal consequences. They also highlighted the ongoing threat of Chinese infiltration and urged military personnel to remain vigilant in safeguarding national security.
This case arises amidst ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing conducting military operations around the island. Taiwan has been self-governing since 1949, but China views it as a part of its territory and seeks to assert control over the region.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located in East Asia, near China. It has its own government and operates like a separate country, but China considers it a part of its territory.
Espionage -: Espionage is the act of spying or using spies to gather secret information, especially about a government or military.
Chinese Agents -: Chinese agents are people who work for the Chinese government to gather information secretly, often in other countries.
Gang Members -: Gang members are people who belong to a group that often engages in illegal activities.
Indicted -: Indicted means formally accused or charged with a serious crime by a legal authority.
Military Espionage -: Military espionage involves spying to obtain secret military information, like plans or technology, from another country.
Macau -: Macau is a small region in China known for its casinos and tourism. It was a Portuguese colony until 1999.
Ministry of National Defense -: The Ministry of National Defense is a government department responsible for managing a country’s military and protecting it from threats.
Infiltration -: Infiltration is the act of secretly entering or joining a group or organization to gather information or cause harm.
