TAIPEI, June 14 — With concerns mounting over Chinese political infiltration and espionage, Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has launched an internal awareness campaign to fortify its defences against Beijing’s covert tactics. In a landmark move, the party held its first mandatory national security seminar at headquarters, focused on educating members about China’s “united front” operations.
Tung Li-wen, executive director of the Foundation on Asia-Pacific Peace Studies, led the opening session titled “Be alert on Chinese infiltration and ‘united front’ tactics.” He outlined six primary channels Beijing allegedly uses to carry out espionage: relatives of targets, criminal syndicates, financial institutions, commercial enterprises, religious networks, and grassroots organisations — all often manipulated through coercion or bribery.
“Beijing’s strategy is not just about soft persuasion. It aims to divide Taiwan internally and erode its democratic foundations,” Tung warned.
The DPP’s China Affairs Director Wu Chun-chih called on all political forces, especially the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), to reject foreign interference. “This is about national survival,” Wu said, urging opposition parties to proactively counter Chinese influence.
DPP Deputy Secretary-General Ho Po-wen disclosed that four party members are under judicial investigation for espionage-related offences and have had their memberships revoked. “We have a zero-tolerance policy,” Ho affirmed, adding that the party is enhancing internal counter-infiltration mechanisms.
Ho also criticised the KMT for “turning a blind eye” to similar infiltration allegations and for blocking proposed national security laws. “The public must stay alert. China’s tactics are evolving, and so must our defences,” he said.
The DPP plans to expand the campaign beyond party lines with local-level education drives, public seminars, and community outreach aimed at strengthening societal awareness and democratic resilience across Taiwan.
