An anti-infiltration bill passed its third, and final, reading in the DPP-held legislature on Tuesday. That’s despite stark resistance from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and People First Party (PFP).
Under the bill, individuals who receive aid or political donations from “hostile foreign forces,” or those who endeavor to intervene in Taiwan’s elections, will be sentenced to up to five years in prison and fined up to NT$10 million (US$333,000). Individuals who lobby for military, diplomatic, or mainland affairs policies that would undermine national security and intelligence will also face stiff punishments.
The anti-infiltration bill aims to curb intervention from hostile forces, and ensure national security and social stability, while maintaining Taiwan’s sovereignty and constitutional order.
Prior to the bill’s passage, President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday morning said the government will exercise caution when it comes to the legislation and implementation of anti-infiltration laws.
Tsai said the bill is very important.
"The Taiwanese people expect the government to respond to and curb China’s attempts to infiltrate Taiwan. Therefore, I hope all parties [involved] can discuss this bill with that in mind. One thing we are sure of is that the bill will be implemented and exercised with caution. All clauses of the bill have been crafted with the utmost scrutiny. I believe that our law enforcement agencies will be equally cautious when enforcing the terms of the bill," said Tsai.
Tsai said discussions on the proposed bill began in May. She also said the DPP legislative caucus made changes to the law, in response to public opinion.