TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) on Friday criticized KMT think tank National Policy Foundation Deputy Director Ling Tao (凌濤) for suggesting the DPP may declare martial law ahead of an upcoming recall election.

Ling made the remarks while speculating about potential actions the DPP might take to influence the recall process, per ETtoday. He referenced DPP Caucus Leader Ker Chien-ming’s (柯建銘) recent proposal to invoke a controversial law once used during Taiwan’s White Terror era. Also, a post from the official DPP legislative caucus Facebook account that appeared to support South Korea’s recent, short-lived martial law enforcement.

In response, Chen dismissed the comments as baseless fearmongering. He recalled similar allegations from 2008, when the KMT claimed the DPP might declare martial law and refuse to transfer power after losing the presidential election, per Mirror Media.

Chen labeled Ling’s suggestion that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) or Ker would consider martial law as a "fake agenda."

Ling defended his remarks, arguing the DPP never made similar statements during Chen's presidency, per Newtalk. He also claimed the DPP may revive the controversial Digital Intermediary Services Act, a bill withdrawn in 2022 following public backlash over fears it could restrict free speech.

Ling’s martial law comments drew swift condemnation from DPP officials. DPP Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) accused Ling of attempting to stir up KMT supporters with alarmist rhetoric, per Tai Sounds. Legislator Wang Shi-chien (王世堅) also criticized the remarks, urging the KMT not to fuel public panic with fabricated claims, per Tai Sounds.