Several incidents related to espionage have surfaced in Taiwan as China continues to apply military and political pressure on Taipei to accept its sovereignty claims.
NEW DELHI: Amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan, reports are circulating of suspected Chinese incursions on the island. It was reported that a retired Taiwanese lieutenant general was recruiting soldiers for a private army on behalf of China. He is said to have visited China multiple times between 2018 and 2024 and met with military officials.
Prosecutors allege that he received large sums of money from China to recruit military personnel. The retired officer was arrested on charges of treason along with five others.
It is important to note that China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened to use force to bring the island under its control. Several incidents related to espionage have surfaced in Taiwan as China continues to apply military and political pressure on Taipei to accept its sovereignty claims.
Taiwan’s High Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement that retired Lt. Gen. Cao and six others have been indicted in connection with the incident. They are accused of violating national security laws.
Multiple visits to China
According to prosecutors, the group visited China multiple times between 2018 and 2024 and met with Chinese military intelligence officials during their visits. During these meetings, they received instructions and funding to establish and develop organizations for China. The statement said their actions pose a “serious threat to national security and social stability.”
Establishment of a private army
Mr. Kao and another person are said to have used Chinese funds to establish an “armed organization” that would serve as a “domestic ally” in the event China attacked Taiwan. Prosecutors said he attempted to identify, approach, lure and recruit veterans and active-duty military personnel, thereby placing national security in a “dangerous situation.”
