KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — Taiwan is grappling with both overt antagonism and covert attempts at influence from China. Recently, four Taiwanese soldiers, including members of the Presidential Office security detail, received jail sentences of up to seven years for selling confidential information to China.
These verdicts followed President Lai’s recent strong condemnation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), a rare occurrence from a Taiwanese leader. He asserted that Taiwan would resist intimidation and manipulation, vowing consequences for those expressing allegiance to China.
President Lai cautioned against China’s “United Front” strategy, a CCP tactic involving infiltration of international organizations and influential groups, using agents to forge alliances with key individuals, political parties, and interests, often with financial incentives.
However, Taiwan’s government faces a significant challenge in countering China’s extensive covert operations, which are supported by substantial financial resources. Recently, a Presidential Office consultant, along with two members of the ruling party, were reportedly detained on suspicion of espionage for the CCP.
Many Taiwanese view President Lai’s firm stance and subsequent government actions as a welcome departure from a period of perceived vulnerability. Insiders from Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have expressed a sentiment that “Taiwan has been on the defensive for far too long” and that their constituents “are tired of us being a punching bag.”
The DPP government is also committed to a stricter approach against what it perceives as Chinese infiltration. Individuals found to possess Chinese identity cards have had their Taiwanese nationality revoked, as dual citizenship or ID holding is prohibited.
China does not recognize Taiwanese passports, requiring those traveling there to obtain a “Taiwan Compatriot ID” for temporary stays. While some Taiwanese have sought Chinese ID cards for convenience in China, Taiwan’s government is now discouraging divided loyalties.
Following President Lai’s address, Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency revoked the visas of several Chinese citizens for online content violating local laws.
Taiwan has some of Asia’s most liberal free-speech laws, allowing displays of China’s flag and advocacy for communism without fear of arrest. However, advocating for the “violent overthrow of Taiwan’s government by the military of the People’s Republic of China” is considered a red line. Internet influencer “Yaya,” a Chinese national named Liu Zhenya residing in Taiwan on a spousal visa, crossed this line, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior.
The government asserts that “Yaya” openly supported China’s forceful annexation of Taiwan, despite her visa being a privilege. Her defenders claim that she and others recently expelled from Taiwan are victims of selective prosecution.
However, some remain skeptical of President Lai’s strong rhetoric. Dr. Huang Kwei-bo, a professor at Taiwan’s National Chengchi University, suggests that the “get tough with China” approach is largely political maneuvering aimed at regaining control of Taiwan’s parliament and building momentum for the 2026 local elections.
Huang also suggests the DPP hopes to attract the attention of the Trump administration, seeking their endorsement and inclusion in policies aimed at “countering China.”
Political risk analyst Ross Darrell Feingold notes that President Lai’s actions align with the tough stance on China advocated by the Trump administration and other China hard-liners.
While a majority of Taiwanese seemingly desire stronger measures against threats to national sovereignty, some analysts point out that the renewed hard line appears conveniently timed to assist President Lai’s party in removing opposition legislators, gaining control of municipal governments in the 2026 elections, and securing a second term for President Lai in 2028.