TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) moved to clarify the scope of reinstated military trials on Friday (March 14), emphasizing that these proceedings will exclusively address active-duty military personnel accused of serious offenses like treason, espionage, and dereliction of duty. This targeted approach, Cho explained, represents a significant departure from previous iterations of the military justice system, with the amended Military Trial Act drawing clear distinctions between applicable individuals and the specific behaviors subject to military jurisdiction. The Premier underscored the critical need for decisive action by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to fortify Taiwan's national security against external threats seeking to undermine the island's democratic institutions.
Beyond the immediate reinstatement of military trials, Cho announced a broader initiative to conduct comprehensive legislative revisions aimed at bolstering Taiwan's defense capabilities and safeguarding its democratic values. This comprehensive review will address potential vulnerabilities in existing laws and strengthen the legal framework protecting Taiwan against foreign interference, particularly from adversaries seeking to exploit weaknesses in the democratic system. This proactive approach reflects a heightened awareness of the evolving security challenges facing the island nation.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) acknowledged the historical baggage associated with military trials, recognizing that past implementations left a negative impression on the public. He emphasized that the modernized system will incorporate essential safeguards and operate with greater transparency, ensuring fairness and adherence to due process. These reforms aim to address concerns about potential abuses of power and build public confidence in the revised military justice system.
Lin highlighted the gravity of Chinese Communist Party infiltration efforts targeting Taiwan's national security apparatus, urging open societal dialogue on the measures necessary to maintain a robust and resilient defense posture. He expressed confidence in the direction of these reforms, noting that President Lai's decision to restore military trials followed careful deliberation and thorough evaluation of the security landscape. Lin emphasized the importance of informed public discourse on this critical issue, encouraging citizens to engage actively in shaping the future of Taiwan's national security framework.
The announcement of these reforms follows President Lai's Thursday declaration of a comprehensive review and amendment of the "Military Trial Act," a move designed to restore the military trial system and bring military judges back into the adjudication of cases involving active-duty personnel accused of violating the "Criminal Code of the Armed Forces."
