Military Expert Calls for Enhanced National Security Education in Taiwan

Former director-general of the Military Intelligence Bureau, Liu Te-liang, has advocated for a significant enhancement in national security education and stricter penalties for treason in Taiwan. His recommendations aim to counteract increasing infiltration threats from China, particularly in light of alarming statistics regarding espionage incidents.

Espionage Threats and Military Involvement

According to the National Security Bureau (NSB), approximately 60 percent of the 159 cases of Chinese espionage uncovered in recent years involved serving or retired military personnel. Liu presented these findings in the online publication Cross-Strait Situation Analysis, which is produced by the China Affairs Department of the Democratic Progressive Party. While the military’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to combating espionage, Liu warned that the actual number of spies infiltrating government and industry could be even higher.

Liu explained that China’s “united front” warfare often masquerades as cross-strait exchanges, where Beijing’s agents actively seek out Taiwanese individuals who may assist them. He emphasized that while espionage and “united front” tactics are related, they should not be conflated. Reflecting on past data, he noted that at least 5,000 spies backed by Beijing had infiltrated Taiwan by 2007, a figure that has likely increased significantly over the last 18 years.

Common Infiltration Channels and Tactics

Highlighting various infiltration channels, Liu pointed to criminal enterprises, illegal banking operations, front companies, temples, and civic organizations as common methods used by spies. He also noted that social venues are often overlooked as recruitment hotspots. Hotels, bars, dance halls, KTV parlors, and erotic teahouses are frequently used by agents to entice Taiwanese individuals into espionage activities.

One of the more concerning tactics Liu mentioned is seduction, a common approach in international espionage. He urged the NSB to incorporate warnings about this tactic alongside its existing alerts regarding bribery. Liu cited the case of former army major general Lo Hsien-che, who was coerced into spying for China through compromising photographs.

To combat these threats, Liu called for increased education on counter-espionage in military and government sectors, as well as in the general public. He also proposed that regulations be revised to impose harsher penalties for treason, advocating that these penalties should exceed those for corruption.

He emphasized the need for public and media support for national security authorities, rather than persistent criticism that undermines their efforts. Furthermore, Liu advised individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle choices and limit unnecessary social interactions, especially in known hotspots for espionage recruitment.

According to Liu, anyone involved in national security could potentially be targeted by foreign agents, regardless of their position. This includes drivers, assistants, office clerks, and staff in critical decision-making roles. He asserted that protecting national security requires heightened awareness and refined regulations, as the scope of Chinese infiltration extends to essential institutions such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, Academia Sinica, and the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology.

In summary, Liu’s recommendations underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to enhance Taiwan’s national security framework in the face of growing espionage threats from China.