Taiwanese Trio Sentenced for Pro-China Activities Amid Anti-Infiltration Crackdown

In a significant move against foreign interference, three individuals in Taiwan have been sentenced for accepting funds from Beijing to engage in political campaigning and promote pro-China 'united front' activities, violating the Anti-Infiltration Act. The Taipei District Court handed down the sentences on Sunday, highlighting a rare enforcement of the legislation aimed at curbing external influence.

Gong He Party Chairman Chou Ke-chi was sentenced to two years in prison, while Chu Chun-yuan and Pan Jindong were given one year and 18 months, respectively. Both Chu and Pan are board members of the Taipei Puxian Association. Despite the verdict, all three have the option to appeal the sentences, according to the Taipei Times.

The case underscores mounting concerns about Beijing's covert political influence in Taiwan. Prosecutors revealed that the trio maintained close ties with Chinese officials via cross-strait labor and cultural exchanges, receiving financial support for their 2022 election campaigns. The investigation exposed their involvement in a protest plan, aligned with Beijing's agenda, further spotlighting the growing infiltration fears.

(With inputs from agencies.)