Cho Jung-tai: China's Cross-Border Suppression of Taiwanese Civil Servants and Others Reaches 134 Cases

(CNA Taipei, July 8) Premier Cho Jung-tai stated today that in addition to conducting unannounced military exercises and gray-zone incursions in areas around Taiwan, China is also attempting to carry out cross-border suppression against Taiwanese civil servants, judicial personnel, innocent family members, and even foreign nationals in Taiwan. Currently, 120 cases involving 134 individuals have been threatened, and the government will do its utmost to protect its citizens and foreign residents in Taiwan.

Cho Jung-tai, accompanied by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun and others, met with a delegation led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth today. Raymond Greene, Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Taipei Office, was also present.

In his remarks, Cho Jung-tai thanked Duckworth for her fifth visit to Taiwan, which demonstrates concrete support for Taiwan and concern for the Indo-Pacific situation. He noted that Duckworth had previously spoken about Taiwan's security being the foundation of the world, that commitments to Taiwan would not change regardless of who the U.S. President is, and that the U.S. Congress is working to pass $14 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, showcasing American resilience and U.S.-Taiwan trust through genuine and concrete security commitments.

He said that the world and Taiwan have heard Duckworth's words and hope that Chinese leaders will also hear them and learn from the practices of mutual respect for life and democratic values between Taiwan and the U.S. to ensure peace and stability in the global and Indo-Pacific regions.

Cho Jung-tai stated that the Indo-Pacific region is currently facing clear threats, with China conducting unannounced military exercises and gray-zone incursions around Taiwan, while simultaneously attempting cross-border suppression against Taiwanese civil servants, judicial personnel, innocent family members, and even foreign nationals in Taiwan. Currently, 120 cases involving 134 individuals have been threatened. Recently, a Japanese-Taiwanese media professional was subjected to violence within Taiwan by an individual holding a Hong Kong passport, and the attacker attempted to disguise themselves to leave Taiwan.

He emphasized that regardless of whether the attackers are organized or systematic, or what their motives and methods are, the government will do its utmost to protect its citizens and foreign residents in Taiwan.

Regarding China's implementation of the "Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress" starting July 1, Cho Jung-tai stated that the Executive Yuan has established an inter-agency coordination platform and looks forward to continued cooperation with the U.S. to jointly respond to China's rampant and unrestricted cross-border pressure and gray-zone actions.

Cho Jung-tai also mentioned that the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act includes a joint plan for the U.S. Department of Defense and Taiwan to jointly research, develop, and produce drone systems and counter-drone system capabilities. He expressed hope that both sides will work together to establish non-red supply chains and democratic supply chains.

Concerning the defense special budget not yet passed by the Legislative Yuan, Cho Jung-tai stated that the government is actively striving to seek approval from the legislature for it to be handled through a special statute and special budget, and that cross-party coordination is ongoing. (Edited by Lin Hsing-meng) 0708

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