Taiwan's President Lai Warns of China's Growing Espionage Threat

Central Mint in Red Envelope

Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te urged people to be mindful of China's growing "united front" strategies, which have intensified recently as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues its relentless push for Taiwan's annexation, as reported by the Taipei Times. Lai made these remarks during his visit to the Lecheng Temple in Taichung, where he distributed limited-edition red envelopes and greeted people on the occasion of the Lunar New Year. The red envelope contains the Central Mint (Taiwan) NT$1 coin, with portraits of dogs and cats made by Lai and Vice President Hsiao Bi-Khim. The designs embody Taiwanese welcoming nature, warmth, and affection for animals.

Threats against Taiwan remain

Addressing the gathering, Lai said the CCP's strategy of military and economic pressure to subjugate Taiwan remains unchanged. "No matter how nice his (CCP's) words sound, the threats against Taiwan remain," he warned. The president pointed to the rising cases of espionage in the past year or two, resulting in indictments and convictions, as evidence of China's increasingly aggressive "united front" campaigns, the Taipei Times reported. Taiwan is our democratic homeland, Lai said, urging people to defend the country, uphold its democratic and independent way of life, and oppose China's "united front" efforts. According to the Taipei Times, Lai stressed that as president, he is committed to protecting national security, promoting economic development and ensuring the public good by supporting the disadvantaged.

He also called upon the citizens to actively contribute in protecting the country, maintaining social stability and preventing fraud. He said financial scams continue to be a big issue, with more than 500 fraud cases reported daily, resulting in an average loss between NT$400 million and NT$500 million (USD 12.2 million to USD 15.3 million).