Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced an investigation into retired naval captain Lu Li-shih for potentially violating cross-strait regulations with his pro-China statements and participation in Chinese naval events. The MAC stated that his actions could be considered 'cooperative behavior' with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military institutions, which is prohibited. While regulations currently apply to retired generals, the MAC is pushing for legislative amendments to cover lower-ranking officers.
Retired naval captain Lu Li-shih's recent participation in a Chinese naval event and his remarks, such as 'A strong motherland represents Taiwan's security,' have drawn scrutiny from Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC). The MAC announced it will investigate Lu's actions for potential violations of the Cross-Strait Act, specifically citing concerns of 'cooperative behavior' with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military institutions. MAC Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh explained that while current regulations under Article 9-3 of the Cross-Strait Act apply to retired generals, they do not cover officers below that rank. However, Article 33-1 prohibits any Taiwanese national, group, or organization from cooperating with CCP party, government, or military institutions. Liang emphasized that Lu's actions, including accepting invitations to events like the Zhuhai Airshow and a Shandong naval exhibition, and subsequently making statements praising the Chinese military, constitute cooperative behavior rather than a simple matter of free speech. He noted that Lu's identity as a former ROC naval captain provides propaganda value for the CCP. The MAC indicated that violations of Article 33-1 are administrative penalties, not criminal, and can be levied repeatedly. The MAC has proposed amendments to the Cross-Strait Act to address such behaviors, but the legislation is currently pending review in the Legislative Yuan.
FACT BOX
- Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
- Category: Survey
FAQ
Who is Lu Li-shih?
Lu Li-shih is a retired naval captain and major from Taiwan who has recently participated in Chinese naval events and made pro-China statements.
What actions by Lu Li-shih are under investigation?
Lu Li-shih's participation in Chinese naval events and his public statements, such as 'A strong motherland represents Taiwan's security,' are under investigation.
What regulations might Lu Li-shih have violated?
He may have violated Article 33-1 of Taiwan's Cross-Strait Act, which prohibits cooperation with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) party, government, or military institutions. There are also discussions about amending Article 9-3, which currently applies to retired generals.
What is the Mainland Affairs Council's stance on Lu's actions?
The MAC views Lu's actions as 'cooperative behavior' with the CCP military, not merely freedom of speech, due to his participation in events and subsequent pro-China statements, which they believe leverage his former military identity for propaganda.
What are the potential penalties for violating these regulations?
Violations of Article 33-1 are administrative penalties, not criminal, and can result in repeated fines. Amendments are being sought to potentially include penalties for lower-ranking officers.