Taiwan convicts four former ruling party officials of spying for China

"Four former employees of Taiwan's ruling political party have been convicted of spying for China and handed prison sentences of up to 10 years. The four include a former aide to Taiwan's president, Lai Ching-te, when he was vice-president and for a time during his current presidency, and a senior staffer to Joseph Wu, then foreign minister and now the national security chief."

"He was also found guilty of money laundering and fined 1m New Taiwan dollars (25,000) and is separately facing charges of developing a criminal organisation for China. The court heard that Huang had sent information to Chinese intelligence agents via encrypted software. He also instructed Chiu Shih-yuan, the former deputy head of the DPP's Taiwan Institute of Democracy, a training school for politicians and staffers, to seek information from Joseph Wu, the former foreign minister and presidential adviser."

"Taiwan, a self-governing island that is claimed by Beijing, is highly alert to threats from Chinese espionage. Lai has taken a more aggressive approach than his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, to people with perceived pro-China sympathies. In March he labelled China as a foreign hostile force and strengthened national security measures, including controversial proposals to restore a military court system. In recent months Taiwan has cracked down on people who illegally hold Chinese identity documents."

Four former Democratic Progressive Party employees were convicted of spying for China and received prison terms up to ten years. Huang Chu-jung, a former assistant to a New Taipei city councillor, received a 10-year sentence, was fined 1 million New Taiwan dollars for money laundering, and faces additional charges of developing a criminal organisation for China. Prosecutors said Huang sent information to Chinese intelligence via encrypted software and instructed Chiu Shih-yuan to obtain information from Joseph Wu. Chiu pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years and two months. Prosecutors sought longer sentences and are considering an appeal. Taiwan has increased national security measures amid concerns about Chinese espionage and grey-zone infiltration.

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