China’s Global Times published an editorial on Friday about the rumors surrounding a top Taiwanese official who is suspected to have been a spy for China.
Deputy Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Vincent Chang left his post and is being investigated by the Ministry of Justice over suspicions that he leaked secret state documents to China. The MAC is Taiwan’s top government body charting its China policy.
Media reports have said Chang may be a spy for China and that he gave Chinese officials over 5 secret and top secret documents.
But the Chinese editorial said many Chinese academics do not believe Chang was a spy. They believe the situation is due to Taiwan’s domestic politics. Chang has a strong personality and the Taiwan government has not been able to get a hold on its officials.
The editorial said China was not going to comment on Taiwan’s internal affairs. But since Beijing has been implied to be connected to this case, China cannot remain silent. If it does, it will just make the story of Chang as a Chinese spy more credible.
The Chinese editorial said the stability of Taiwan’s political environment is very important for cross-strait relations. They hope this case will not affect cross-strait relations.
The Global Times is a daily Chinese paper under the People’s Daily that focuses on international issues.