Taiwan Sees Sharp Rise in Espionage Charges

Taiwan's National Security Bureau reported a 33% increase in espionage charges against Taiwanese individuals accused of spying for China, with 64 cases recorded in 2024, primarily involving current or retired military personnel. The rise from 48 cases in 2023 and just 10 in 2022 reflects China's intensified political and military pressure on Taiwan, including daily military drills and an extensive espionage campaign. The report suggests that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is using various channels, including criminal gangs and underground banks, to infiltrate Taiwan and recruit military insiders for sensitive information. Among those charged, two-thirds were military members, with allegations of attempts to establish spy networks and even coordinate sabotage in case of a Chinese invasion. Seven retired military officials faced prosecution for espionage related to mapping military bases and foreign diplomatic locations in Taiwan. The Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing has not commented on these allegations.