Taiwan-China Relations

Taiwan Seeks Stronger Laws Against Beijing's Transnational Repression

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By Ryan Wu/Lery Hiciano

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Taiwan is seeking stronger legal tools to counter transnational repression allegedly carried out on Beijing’s behalf. Recent cases include the alleged surveillance of Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen, an attack on journalist and academic Yaita Akio, and a car attack on comedian Huang Yi-hao. Taiwan’s justice ministry says the current legal framework does not adequately deter such crimes and is working with other agencies on amendments to the Anti-Infiltration Act.

Fighting Transnational Repression

REPORTER:
High-profile cases of Beijing's transnational repression have become increasingly concerning for many people in Taiwan.

REPORTER:
China claims Taiwan and has never ruled out taking it by force. People who do not agree with its narrative could face harassment, stalking, or even physical violence.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, which oversees relations with China, says Beijing's repression has taken on a new dimension to using physical violence to harm people it dislikes.

Liang Wen-chieh, DEPUTY MINISTER, MAINLAND AFFAIRS COUNCIL:
[China’s transnational repression] has evolved to using physical violence to harm people it dislikes. These increasingly aggressive tactics are something we must now work to address comprehensively.

REPORTER:
There are several recent high-profile examples of China's intimidation efforts. Puma Shen, who is running for Taipei mayor for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, has previously been sanctioned by China. More recently, prosecutors here indicted several people for allegedly surveilling him and his family on orders from Beijing.

REPORTER:
In July, Japanese-Taiwanese journalist and academic Yaita Akio, a vocal critic of China, was attacked in Taichung.

Two months later, comedian Huang Yi-hao was struck by a car, allegedly in retaliation for his routines mocking Beijing and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Prosecutors have indicted five men for plotting the attack.

In both cases, the attackers were allegedly paid by individuals with ties to China. Taiwan's justice department says more must be done to tackle the problem.

Cheng Ming-chien, JUSTICE MINISTER:

The current legal framework does not go far enough to deter and prevent transnational repression.

In line with Cabinet directives we’re working with other agencies on amendments to the Anti-Infiltration Act.

Key priorities include criminalizing transnational repression and imposing tougher penalties to strengthen deterrence and fully recognize the severity of these crimes as well as ensuring that various methods of transnational repression are punishable by law.

REPORTER:
Civil society groups and the Cabinet have called for new amendments to the anti-infiltration law.

REPORTER:
With Beijing ramping up its repression efforts, Taiwan will need to act swiftly to counter those moves and protect people's right to voice their opinion.

Ryan Wu and Lery Hiciano, for TaiwanPlus.