Judge Calls for Taiwan-U.S. Joint Response to China's Cross-Border Repression, Government to Strengthen Reporting Platform

(Central News Agency reporter Hou Tzu-ying, Washington, 14th special report) China's implementation of the 'Law on the Promotion of National Unity and Progress' has heightened international concerns over the Chinese Communist Party's cross-border repression. Hsu Kai-chieh, a national security division judge at Taipei District Court, called on law enforcement agencies in Taiwan and the U.S. to jointly establish a cross-border repression task force during an interview in Washington today, urging the sharing of case studies and response strategies. He also recommended that the Taiwanese government strengthen the timeliness and inter-agency collaboration of its cross-border repression reporting platform.

The assault on Masao Yatabe, executive director of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Institute, by a Chinese national in Taichung on June 6 has intensified public anxiety over China's 'cross-border repression.' The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this was the first known case of cross-border repression following the July 1 enforcement of China's 'Law on the Promotion of National Unity and Progress,' and emphasized that the government will not take it lightly.

Judge Hsu recently visited the U.S. to discuss cross-border repression with think tanks and administrative agencies. In today's interview with CNA in Washington, he urged Taiwan and U.S. law enforcement bodies to jointly form a cross-border repression task force to share enforcement experiences, case studies, and response strategies.

Additionally, he suggested that the Taiwanese government enhance its real-time cross-border repression reporting platform, enabling citizens to report incidents instantly and ensuring dedicated units can respond immediately. The platform should also include an authentication and verification mechanism to prevent misuse.

Inter-agency collaboration is equally crucial, Hsu pointed out. Identifying the nature of cross-border repression and preserving evidence require a robust inter-agency reporting mechanism, such as real-time coordination systems between police and immigration authorities.

He stated that strengthening the real-time reporting platform would help government agencies respond promptly and enhance deterrence. For example, if the government cannot prevent flash cross-border repression incidents by individuals on short-day visits to Taiwan, perpetrators may perceive a low risk of being caught, potentially leading to more such cases.

Regarding China's 'Law on the Promotion of National Unity and Progress,' Hsu noted that Taiwan's Anti-Infiltration Act Article 6 may be insufficient to address current threats. 'If a state directs individuals to commit ordinary assault, property damage, or harassment, such special laws may not apply, and we would have to revert to general criminal law,' he said.

Article 6 of the Anti-Infiltration Act stipulates that anyone who, under instruction, commission, or funding from an infiltration source, commits crimes under Articles 149 to 153 of the Criminal Code or Article 31 of the Assembly and Parade Act, shall have their sentence increased by up to one-half.

Hsu emphasized that legal tools must evolve with the times to address emerging forms of crime.

The MAC recently stated that the government is actively reviewing legal amendments related to cross-border repression and will work with the Ministry of Justice to increase criminal penalties and significantly raise the cost of such crimes. (Edited by Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150715