Taiwan-China Cross-Strait Tensions

Chinese Espionage: China May Have 5,000 Spies in Taiwan

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Host: Yin Khvat As Chinese espionage cases continue to emerge in Taiwan, the National Security Bureau estimates some 5,000 spies have been operating covertly across government. They go right to the heart of the country’s establishment, including to the Presidential Office. President Lai Ching-te recently announced that Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials and staff members will be required to report any planned travel to China, amid revelations of Chinese spies within his ruling party. Lai sent this message to his party members: "The DPP was created in an era of authoritarian dictatorship and serves as the driving force of Taiwan's democracy … we must hold ourselves to a high standard." He said that those who spurn the DPP's core values and betray the country for personal gain must be met with the harshest penalties by law and their party, together with condemnation from society. Our guests: Chen Fang-yu - Soochow University Political Science Assistant Professor John Eastwood - Eiger Law Senior Partner