TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The head of the country’s top intelligence agency told lawmakers on June 12 that Chinese espionage activities in Taiwan are increasing.
Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋) recently raised the presence of a fifth column in Taiwan, sparking widespread discussion. National Security Bureau (NSB) Director-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) said on June 12 that the fifth column is not a legal concept and that national security agencies handle espionage cases based on legal standards, but conceded the number of spying cases under investigation has increased, per CNA.
In an interview with the Liberty Times, Shen suggested that Taiwan should establish a combat center to deal with the Chinese fifth column and manage high-risk groups domestically.
During a Legislative Yuan Foreign and National Defense Committee meeting, Kuomintang Legislator Kin Cyang (黃仁) explained that the fifth column refers to groups that sabotage from within, cooperating with the enemy to undermine national unity. He then asked Tsai to estimate the fifth column members in Taiwan.
Tsai said 81 espionage cases have been investigated from last year to now, with 39 cases prosecuted. Tsai said this increase in cases indicates that Chinese espionage activities within Taiwan appear to be intensifying.
Tsai emphasized that the term fifth column is used in academic or policy discussions rather than as a legal concept. He said the NSB handles espionage cases on a legal basis, but appreciates the concern from legislators and the public about espionage and infiltration activities, as it raises national security awareness.
Tsai mentioned that media reports from 10 years ago about the number of fifth-column members in Taiwan were discussing Chinese individuals who overstayed or went missing in Taiwan, with figures potentially in the thousands. However, due to the pandemic and slowed cross-strait exchanges, the latest statistics confirmed with the National Immigration Agency show that as of the end of April, 1,388 Chinese are overstaying and missing in Taiwan.
Taiwan People's Party Legislator Chang Chi-kai (張啓楷) also raised concerns, questioning whether a “combat center” should be established to monitor high-risk groups domestically.
Tsai replied that he respects any discussion or suggestion by legislators to strengthen national security. Chang replied that this issue has caused widespread panic among the public, and questioned whether Tsai truly respects this concern.
Tsai reiterated that all views on strengthening national security mechanisms are respected in a society with freedom of speech. Each legislator has his own opinion, but the NSB is making every effort to investigate and prevent national security violations, said Tsai.
