According to a report from Taiwan News, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) might attempt to disrupt President-elect Lai Ching-te’s May 20 inauguration by hacking into websites, electronic billboards, and potentially sabotaging the southern power grid.
An official informed ‘Liberty Times,’ a local Taiwanese newspaper on May 9, that Chinese hackers could target government websites and public displays on May 20, potentially inserting sarcastic congratulatory messages or pro-CCP propaganda to embarrass Lai. Following the January elections, China has escalated pressure on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), as reported by Taiwan News.
An official disclosed that China has been attempting to obtain information about the content of Lai’s inauguration speech through academics situated in Hong Kong and Macau. Additionally, as reported by Taiwan News, the official further evaluated that China is unlikely to conduct significant military exercises before May 20 but may seek to disrupt the inauguration. He also mentioned that China could attempt to disrupt power in Tainan, where the presidential banquet is scheduled to take place. The official cautioned that relevant units should be prepared to respond accordingly.
He stressed that if China is dissatisfied with the content of Lai’s inaugural speech, further actions could be taken. This might involve suspending tariff reductions for specific items under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). On the diplomatic front, customary overseas visits typically occur during the first year of a new president’s tenure, during which the CCP may attempt to persuade allies to sever ties with Taiwan to undermine Lai.
In recent developments, Taiwan detained businessmen and retired officers suspected of spying for China. According to reports from the Central News Agency (CNA), Chinese security officials allegedly approached a businessman named Wen, requesting him to arrange meetings with retired military officers in China. Kaohsiung prosecutors stated that a former officer named Chu agreed to the proposition and subsequently recruited Chiang to join him.
During a visit to China, the three individuals purportedly reached an agreement to expand their organization and recruit additional serving and retired officers to provide information to Beijing. Following the conclusion of their investigation, prosecutors reportedly raided Wen’s residence on May 9 and detained all three suspects, as per Taiwan News.
Despite the denial of the allegations by the three accused, investigators stated that they were highly probable to have violated the National Security Act.