【News Express】CCP’s Hidden Threats: Lai Ching-te Strikes Back prominently

Hello everyone, welcome to “News Odyssey”. Today’s co-hosts are Jinshi, Fuyao, Qin Peng, Yuting, and me.

Today’s focus: Taiwan officially declares the CCP as a hostile force, reveals 5 major threats and 17 countermeasures; Guard against internal threats! Military trial system returns; CCP targets “freedom of speech” battle; Eyeing TSMC! Technological advantage turns into a hidden concern? Mainland internet celebrities’ traditional promotion banned; Cross-strait walkers in dilemma: asset politics double squeeze.

President of the Republic of China Lai Ching-te convened a national security high-level meeting on March 13th to analyze the five major national security and united front threats from the CCP facing Taiwan, proposing 17 countermeasures. Of particular interest is the introduction of military trials for active-duty personnel involved in crimes jeopardizing national security, which were previously under the jurisdiction of civilian courts for over a decade but are now to be tried by military courts.

Meanwhile, in Taiwan’s civilian sector, several mainland Chinese spouses have recently had their residency permits revoked or been summoned by immigration authorities due to advocating for the unification of Taiwan by force. Some Taiwan media outlets interpret this as a prelude to martial law. Some view it as Lai Ching-te declaring war on the CCP. Is this really the case? Will Taiwan become safer or more vulnerable? Will Taiwan’s cherished freedom be infringed upon as a result?

Q1, Yuting, please summarize for us the threats Taiwan is facing and how the 17 countermeasures will be implemented?

Firstly, regarding the threats Taiwan faces, I believe they can be divided into two categories: overt and covert.

On the overt front, it is widely known that many Taiwanese individuals have received CCP identification cards; numerous Taiwanese artists promote CCP ideologies; mainland Chinese spouses in Taiwan, also known as mainland spouses, promote the idea of forcibly unifying Taiwan; and of course, there is the well-known “soft power and hard power” from the CCP, which includes military threats, economic coercion, diplomatic isolation, among other tactics.

On the covert side, the CCP conducts united front work, including information warfare, using media and internet celebrities to spread disinformation and engage in cognitive warfare, subtly influencing individuals without their awareness.

At the same time, through gray zone operations, the CCP continuously tests Taiwan’s limits without engaging in direct conflict. This includes military planes crossing the median line in the strait, fishing vessels intentionally trespassing into Taiwan’s waters, hacker attacks on government websites, and even releasing balloons equipped with reconnaissance equipment. This “gradual fatigue bombardment” keeps Taiwan’s military, government, and even civilians on edge daily, straining their resources. Without engaging in actual warfare, Taiwan may exhaust itself in the process.

Within the covert operations, one particularly insidious tactic is the “temptation of integrated development” mentioned by Lai Ching-te, in which the CCP lures talent away from Taiwan with promises of financial gain and various incentives and subsidies. However, these are all traps set by the CCP, as true opportunities and benefits are scant for ordinary Chinese citizens outside of the privileged elite.

Upon identifying the threats posed by the CCP, President Lai Ching-te has summarized five key areas: threats to sovereignty, infiltration and espionage by the national military, identity confusion, united front infiltration through cross-strait exchanges, and the lure of integrated development. Faced with these threats, Lai has definitively labeled the CCP as an “external hostile force” for the first time. He has proposed 17 countermeasures, with the restoration of military trials garnering the most attention. This move is akin to setting up a “new guard post” right at Taiwan’s doorstep specifically to monitor spies and moles sent by the CCP.

The reasons for restoring military trials mainly revolve around three points: 1) the CCP has intensified its attempts to infiltrate Taiwan in recent years; 2) since the abolition of the “military trial system” in 2013, civilian judges are unfamiliar with “military secrets” and “national security issues,” leading to inefficiencies; 3) lenient sentencing practices, where traitors apprehended serve mere months or a few years in prison before returning, still entitled to pensions, thus failing to serve as an effective deterrent; and 4) public trust in the military would diminish, providing the CCP an opportune moment to exploit vulnerabilities. Therefore, the restoration of military trials aims to plug holes within the military and assert its credibility.

In addition to the “restoration of military trial system,” these 17 countermeasures can be seen as Taiwan’s comprehensive “containment” strategy against the CCP. This includes building barriers: promoting the “Four Pillars of Peace Action Plan,” restoring military trial system to eliminate internal threats, preventing brainwashing: enhancing media literacy, managing access: blocking individuals with CCP backgrounds, scrutinizing those who obtained CCP “identification cards,” regulating Taiwanese artists and businessmen who profit in mainland China, guarding the wallet: strengthening economic security, mobilizing all citizens: promoting civic education to understand the dangers posed by the CCP, and lastly, fighting tough battles: enhancing penalties for “national military” treason.

From President Lai Ching-te’s proposed “17 countermeasures,” it is evident that Taiwan is trying to mobilize comprehensively to prevent and combat CCP threats.

Q2, Jinshi, some interpret this as Lai Ching-te declaring war on the CCP, while others say it is a prelude to martial law. Why has the response been so pronounced?

Q3, In opposition, many raise several doubts, such as (1) the need to investigate which Taiwanese individuals have applied for CCP-issued mainland identity cards, especially military personnel, public servants, and educators, and restrict cross-strait exchanges; will this infringe on personal privacy and freedom of movement for Taiwanese citizens? For instance, could participating in academic exchanges across the strait cross a red line?

(2) Qin Peng, won’t the restoration of military tribunal trials amount to a regression in history and harm judicial independence?

(3) Yuting, are you not concerned about exacerbating social divisions?

The potential “aggravation” of Taiwan’s division is a real risk, one that cannot be dismissed. It primarily stems from the opposition between the “Blue” and “Green” camps, sensitivities of the populace towards freedom, and conflicting economic interests. However, the extent of division depends on the government’s implementation capability.

For instance, if a village decides to erect a wall to counter external threats, and the wall is constructed too high or hastily, disputes may arise due to “who can enter and who cannot leave” issues. The crucial variable lies in the government’s flexibility in implementing policies—whether it enforces them with a heavy hand, leaving no room for negotiation, conducting widespread inspections, and possibly abusing the “military trial system,” or explains mildly and strikes decisively. The outcomes will vastly differ based on the approach taken. Balancing these aspects is a critical consideration for the current Lai Ching-te administration.

While the CCP’s threats are objectively present, Taiwanese citizens need to unify to address them collectively, rather than allowing themselves to be divided by the CCP. External parties will be powerless to help if internal fragmentation persists. Taiwanese individuals face a balancing act, as Taiwan is like a small boat in turbulent waters; they must guard against capsizing while ensuring their own livelihoods. Therefore, rational oversight, judicious compromise, diversifying economic risks, avoiding reliance on the CCP, and safeguarding Taiwan as a beacon of “democracy and freedom” are vital.

Q4, Jinshi, concurrently, mainland Chinese spouses and Taiwanese internet celebrity Yaya, who expressed support for the forced unification of Taiwan, have had their residency permits revoked by Taiwanese immigration authorities. Some prominent Taiwanese figures argue that these actions stifle freedom of speech. (Do these actions infringe on freedom of expression? How do you evaluate their impact on democratic values?)

Q5, Fuyao, Qin Peng, some Taiwanese media reports indicate that this will invite strong retaliation from the CCP. Do you think Taiwan will become safer or more endangered?

Qin Peng: Safer. The CCP’s desire to annex Taiwan stems from four main factors: the legality of the Republic of China versus the illegitimacy of the CCP regime, Taiwan’s freedom and democracy versus the CCP’s authoritarian rule, the CCP’s ambition to dominate the world versus encirclement by the First Island Chain, and the CCP’s coveting of Taiwan’s high technology. None of these reasons are related to Taiwan’s resistance.

On the contrary, if Taiwan dares to confront the CCP, it will yield at least two major benefits: firstly, it will transform itself into a porcupine covered in spikes, making it unpalatable and impossible for the CCP to digest; secondly, demonstrating to allies like the United States that Taiwan is resolute in defending democracy and freedom will garner more assistance and support in the joint fight against the CCP!

Indeed, the CCP’s exploitation of freedom of speech to subvert true freedom now faces resistance. Thank you for watching “News Odyssey,” see you next time.