Seven months into President Lai Ching-te’s term, Taiwan continues to face pressure from China, a trend that started under former President Tsai Ing-wen. This pressure primarily involves regular military drills in the Taiwan Strait. It also includes efforts to influence public opinion in Taiwan through “united front” tactics.
In an interview with the Central News Agency (CNA), Chiu Chui-cheng, head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), explained how his agency is addressing these challenges.
Countermeasures to China’s actions
On 21 June, about a month after President Lai took office, China introduced new legal guidelines targeting advocates of Taiwan’s independence. The guidelines, which include severe punishments such as the death penalty, raised concerns. Chiu described them as overly broad, saying anyone who opposes China’s unification policy could face serious legal consequences.
In response, the MAC raised Taiwan’s travel advisory for China, Hong Kong, and Macau to the second-highest level. Taiwan also lodged a formal protest against the new rules, highlighting the risks they posed to Taiwanese citizens in China. Furthermore, Taiwan rejected entry requests from senior Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) officials. One of those denied entry was Jin Mei, the director of Shanghai’s TAO, who missed the 15th Twin-City Forum in Taipei in December.
Chiu confirmed that Taiwan’s approach would remain consistent. “Entry will only be allowed if Chinese officials are willing to engage and discuss our concerns about the guidelines,” he said.
Building alliances with democratic nations
Chiu also highlighted the importance of strengthening Taiwan’s ties with democratic nations. While the MAC’s focus is primarily on cross-strait relations, it also works to build international partnerships. The agency provides Taiwan’s diplomatic missions abroad with weekly reports on cross-strait affairs. These reports offer detailed analyses of the situation and help deepen Taiwan’s collaboration with like-minded countries in managing China’s growing influence.
“With China’s influence expanding, many nations want to learn how we handle relations with Beijing,” Chiu explained.
Tourism restrictions and the potential for change
Tourism has also been affected by China’s actions, with little sign of improvement. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese visitors made up roughly 25% of all foreign tourists to Taiwan. However, Chinese authorities have maintained a travel ban on both group and independent tours for more than four years.
Chiu said that the main issue lies in China’s reluctance to lift the ban. While some Chinese officials have suggested they might ease restrictions, they often attach political conditions. “If tourism becomes a tool for political leverage, it would be a major concern,” Chiu stated.
China’s ‘United Front’ tactics and Taiwan’s response
Chiu, a former professor of cross-strait relations, discussed the “united front” strategies China uses to apply pressure on Taiwan. These tactics aim to exploit internal divisions and influence Taiwanese society.
Chiu said that “united front” efforts are meant to create conflicts among Taiwan’s citizens. Some in Taiwan fear these activities could lead to a McCarthy-like atmosphere, where dissenting voices are silenced through fear of communist influence.
The MAC has criticised Beijing’s attempts to interfere in Taiwan’s affairs, including cases where Taiwanese entertainers have echoed China’s military threats. Chiu labelled these individuals as “pawns” in China’s tactics.
Chiu dismissed concerns about Taiwan descending into a McCarthyist environment. He emphasised that the MAC’s actions are in Taiwan’s best interest. “We are not undermining freedom or democracy; we are safeguarding them,” he explained.
Instead of implementing a blanket ban on “united front” activities, the MAC aims to educate the public on how to identify such strategies. The Council also advocates for legislation like the Anti-Infiltration Act to protect Taiwan’s democratic system.
