Taiwan Accuses China of Interfering in Elections and Media

Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) and Ministry of Culture (MOC) have accused China of attempting to interfere in Taiwan’s democratic processes, including influencing elections and meddling with media. The NSB reported that China invited local politicians to influence elections, while the MOC is investigating Chinese reporters for media interference.

Details of the Accusations

Officials from the Mainland Affairs Council, NSB, MOC, and Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau will present a report to the Legislative Yuan by July 4. The report will detail China’s alleged interference in Taiwan’s elections and media. Methods used by China included underground financial institutions demanding confidential military data as debt repayment from military officers.

Election Interference

During election times, Beijing funded trips for local politicians to China to influence voting behavior and spread reports about measures supposedly favoring Taiwan businesses. The NSB noted that prosecutors have filed 39 indictments in 84 cases over the past year, indicating a rising trend in challenges to Taiwan’s national security.

Media Interference

The MOC is investigating Chinese journalists in Taiwan, focusing on a former reporter for China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency. This reporter was involved in producing a TV show and had already left Taiwan. The MOC will publish the results of its probe within a week. The investigation also involves UDN, the Taiwan media outlet that invited the correspondent, and Xinhua News. The two current Xinhua reporters in Taiwan have been invited to discuss the issue.