Taiwan Targets Military Disloyalty

Taiwan's defense ministry has unveiled a proposed law that could impose lengthy prison terms on military personnel deemed disloyal, citing rampant Chinese espionage and intelligence gathering activities. The ministry stated that any active military personnel expressing loyalty to the enemy through various means could face imprisonment ranging from one to seven years.

The proposal comes amid a surge in espionage cases cracked by the Taiwanese military and national security units in recent years. According to the ministry, the Chinese Communist Party has been using lucrative offers, investments, and other methods to lure active-duty military personnel into betraying their country. This has resulted in significant damage to national security, with a small number of officers and soldiers committing treason and crimes.

The proposed amendment to Article 24 of the Criminal Law of the Army, Navy, and Air Force aims to strengthen countermeasures against Chinese infiltration and sabotage activities. The amendment will be submitted to the island's government for review after completing the necessary notice and legal procedures.

Recent statistics from the National Security Bureau reveal a significant rise in Taiwanese citizens charged with attempted espionage for China, from 10 in 2022 to 64 last year. Seven retired military officials were also prosecuted last year for providing China with sensitive information, including military base coordinates and details of the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei.