Taiwan Charges Four Former DPP Staffers with Espionage for China

Taiwan has charged four former staffers of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) with espionage for China, accusing them of leaking sensitive state secrets over a prolonged period that significantly harmed national security. Among those indicted are aides who previously worked for President Lai Ching-te and National Security Council chief Joseph Wu, with allegations including sharing classified diplomatic information and money laundering. Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences ranging from five to over 18 years, as well as confiscation of illicit gains totaling more than US$277,000. The espionage reportedly involved transmitting information via a specific messaging app and payments between US$8,300 and US$21,000. Separately, several members of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party are also under investigation for similar offenses. Taiwan has intensified efforts to counter espionage amid increasing military and political pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its province and accuses the island's government of separatism.