Vice Premier Chen Chi-mai says a proposed anti-infiltration bill will ensure Taiwan’s national security and social stability. His comments came Wednesday during an interview.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is planning to push the draft bill through the legislature by the end of this month. The bill is aimed at curbing Chinese infiltration into Taiwan.
Chen said China not only poses a military threat to Taiwan, it has also deeply infiltrated Taiwan society, forging inroads in certain temples and political parties. Chen said the public is deeply concerned about Chinese infiltration and the bill would help close “related loopholes.”
The anti-infiltration bill has proven controversial in Taiwan. Former President Ma Ying-jeou on Wednesday called the bill “absurd” saying “it looks like martial law will be revived.” On Tuesday, People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong urged the DPP to halt the plan. Soong said that ramming the bill through the legislature would be a violation of democracy.
Taiwan’s leading business tycoon, Terry Gou, also opposes the bill. The founder of Foxconn on Tuesday accused the government of running roughshod over dissent, without negotiation. Gou says he will stage a protest if the bill passes.
Presidential Office Secretary-General Chen Chu responded to the criticism, saying the DPP will not violate its values of freedom and democracy.