Politics

Taiwan Accuses China of Election Interference After Sanctions on Candidate’s Father's Firm

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By TaiwanPlus

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Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council has accused China of interfering in Taiwan’s democratic process after Beijing announced sanctions on a trading company operated by the father of Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen. Minister Chiu Chui-cheng called the move a “blatant act of interference” and warned of potential legal and cognitive warfare aimed at influencing Taiwan’s elections. China had already sanctioned Shen in 2024, labeling him a “die-hard Taiwan independence separatist.” Shen is running against incumbent Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an in a race that has drawn fresh scrutiny over cross-strait tensions and election influence efforts.

China Targets Taipei Mayoral Candidate

REPORTER:  
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council is accusing China of election interference, after Beijing announced sanctions on a company run by Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen’s father.

Chiu Chui-cheng (MINISTER, MAINLAND AFFAIRS COUNCIL):  
This is a blatant act of interference.  
Whether it counts as legal warfare  
that the CCP is likely to use  
as part of transnational repression in the future  
or all-encompassing cognitive warfare  
our government will spare no effort  
to safeguard an electoral environment  
that is fair and impartial.

REPORTER:  
Taiwan frequently faces election interference by Beijing, which seeks control of the country. Chinese officials had announced sanctions on a trading company operated by Shen’s father on Wednesday. Shen himself was sanctioned by China in 2024 for being what Beijing calls a “die-hard Taiwan independence separatist.” He is running against incumbent mayor Chiang Wan-an.