Description: Growing threats from Chinese espionage operations pushed the Taiwanese government to introduce reinforced civil screening mechanisms. The Taiwanese government has started a large civil screening process which would undertake the majority of the civil service agencies, the military branches and the political establishment in the country. Chinese infiltration attempts have continuously targeted former members of the Taiwanese military through coercion based on financial interests, ideology or blackmail. Four members of the ruling Democratic party were recently indicted on espionage charges and providing China with state secrets.
Impact: China has continued to enhance its hybrid threats towards Taiwan using variety of methods to cripple the sovereign island’s capacities. The introduction of the newest screening program wouldn’t deliver considerable results as China has been deeply imbedded and infiltrated in the Taiwanese system through espionage operations, cyberthreats and consistent naval and military buildup in the region. Taiwan is currently isolated in its sovereignty defense, receiving mixed signals from the US as the latter’s priorities currently lie elsewhere. Bilateral tensions would continue to mount in the short to mid – term with China extending its regional footprint and influence operations. Taiwan’s compromised internal stability requires more drastic measures in countering Chinese influence and enhanced support from its regional allies.