TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan faces an unprecedented national security threat extending into cyberspace, a top official told parliament Wednesday (Jan. 7), as lawmakers reviewed tougher penalties for espionage. Deputy Minister of the Interior Ma Shih-yuan (馬士元) told the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, that threats extend beyond military maneuvers into cyberspace. Ma drew parallels to early signs of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, highlighting the urgency of addressing threats following Chinese military exercises aimed at Taiwan late last year.
The Legislative Yuan's Internal Administration Committee (內政委員會) reviewed amendments to the National Security Act (國家安全法) Wednesday. The Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, approved the revisions last month, introducing penalties for advocating war or pledging allegiance to an enemy, with fines up to NT$1 million (around US$31,746). Deputy Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 陸委會) Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) emphasized pervasive infiltration efforts by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP, 中國共產黨), which he said aims to invade Taiwan and dismantle the Republic of China (ROC, 中華民國).
National Security Bureau (NSB, 國安局) statistics reveal espionage cases have tripled, with 64 individuals indicted in 2024 compared to 2021, underscoring the growing threat from foreign intelligence operations targeting Taiwan. Liang said existing laws penalize organizers but lack clarity on participants; the amendment seeks to fill this gap by establishing clearer legal consequences. He noted the legislation aligns with international obligations mandating the prohibition of war propaganda.
The revised regulation imposes cooperation duties on internet service providers, establishing mechanisms for swift responses and legal takedowns of content deemed harmful to national security. The measure aims to prevent adversaries from exploiting Taiwan's freedom of speech to undermine its democratic institutions, officials said. The amendments now await further legislative review before potential passage into law. ◼