Taiwan's Lai Ching-te Labels China a "Foreign Hostile Force" Amid Rising Tensions
In a marked escalation of rhetoric, Taiwan's leader Lai Ching-te has referred to China as a "foreign hostile force", intensifying already strained relations between the two sides.
Lai declared that Taiwan had "no choice but to take even more proactive measures" in response to China's actions. He unveiled a series of new national security measures, including the reinstatement of a military court system and stricter residency requirements for individuals from China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
In swift retaliation, Chinese authorities denounced Lai’s comments, calling him a "destroyer of cross-straits peace" and a "creator of crisis". China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, but Taiwan views itself as a sovereign and independent entity.
China’s Response
The Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson, Chen Binhua, warned that China would have "no choice but to take decisive measures" if "Taiwan independence" forces dared to cross what it termed a "red line." He added ominously, "Those who play with fire will surely be burned."
This is not the first time Lai, a member of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which is seen as pro-independence, has angered Beijing. He was previously labeled a "troublemaker" during the lead-up to elections, and Chinese state media suggested he should face prosecution for "secession."
Espionage and Security Measures
At a high-level national security meeting on Thursday, Lai also raised alarms about China's growing espionage efforts targeting Taiwan. He claimed that China had "exploited Taiwan's freedoms" to recruit various members of society, including current and former military personnel, organized crime groups, and the media, with the goal of "dividing, destroying, and subverting" Taiwan from within.
Lai noted that Taiwan had charged 64 individuals with spying for China last year, a three-fold increase from 2021, with the majority being military personnel.
To combat China’s attempts to infiltrate Taiwan’s military, Lai announced plans to restore the military court system, allowing military judges to handle criminal cases involving active-duty military personnel. This system had been abolished in 2013 following controversy over its handling of the death of an army conscript.
Cultural Pressure and Pro-Beijing Stance
In addition to national security measures, Lai also addressed China’s influence on Taiwanese entertainers, urging authorities to issue "guidelines on conduct" for those working in China. He warned this would help prevent China from using entertainers to push pro-Beijing messages that could "endanger national dignity."
His remarks came after Taiwan criticized celebrities who had posted on social media calling for Taiwan to be "returned" to China. Many Taiwanese stars seeking success in China’s lucrative entertainment industry have faced increasing pressure to publicly adopt a pro-Beijing stance, further deepening political divisions.
