A senior Taiwanese security official has revealed that China employs various tactics to interfere in Taiwan’s elections, including military pressure, spreading fake news, and manipulating opinion polls.
The official, Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen, highlighted the multifaceted approach used by the Chinese Communist Party to influence the electoral outcome.
Various Methods of Interference:
Tsai stated that China can apply military pressure, employ economic coercion, or disseminate fake news to create a false choice between “war or peace” in the election, intending to intimidate voters.
Additionally, he expressed concerns about the Chinese Communists collaborating with opinion polls and public relations companies to manipulate survey results and interfere in elections.
China’s Response:
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to requests for comment on these allegations. It’s worth noting that these allegations come amid China’s weeklong national day holiday.
Taiwan Vice President William Lai, representing the Democratic Progressive Party, is considered the favorite to be the next president according to opinion polls.
China views Lai and his party as separatists and has refused offers of talks, while Lai emphasizes that the decision on Taiwan’s future should be made by its people.
Increased Military Activities:
China has escalated its military activities around Taiwan since the election 2020, regularly deploying warships and fighters near the island.
Taiwan’s defense minister has described recent Chinese drills as “abnormal.” While the focus of these drills has remained consistent with previous years, there has been an increase in the number of aircraft and ships involved and more practice firings by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF), which manages China’s conventional and nuclear missiles.
Tsai suggested that this increase in PLARF activity might be related to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s efforts to assert control over the organization.
Notably, the PLARF experienced leadership changes with the replacement of its two most senior leaders in July by outside commanders.
China’s defense ministry did not respond to requests for comment on these developments.
Get all the latest update on UAE Times Now
