TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The head of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation on Wednesday (Oct. 16) criticized the National Security Bureau director-general for allegedly echoing the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP, 民進黨) insinuations that former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) is aiding China's cognitive warfare.
In a press briefing earlier that day, Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑) demanded clarity from the bureau and Tsai Ming-yenn (蔡明彥) on these allegations.
China launched the "Joint Sword-2024B" military exercise on Oct. 14 after President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) National Day address. The exercise is reportedly accompanied by a surge in official narratives and criticisms of Lai's statements, suggesting an attempt to justify the military maneuvers around Taiwan, according to national security analysts.
Hsiao argued that, under the Constitution of the Republic of China, the mainland is part of the nation, questioning whether Lai's reference to the mainland as another country constitutes a new "two-state theory."
He urged Tsai and the bureau to publicly clarify whether they specifically accuse Ma of aiding China's cognitive operations. Hsiao invited any actions from Lai's administration against dissent, while asserting Ma's unwavering commitment to the Constitution.